Thrivent and Habitat for Humanity to partner to build more homes

Lakes Area Habitat for Humanity will assist two more families in 2009 as part of a $24 million effort across the U.S.

An alliance known as Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity has built more than 1,000 homes since 2005, 314 additional homes will be funded in the U.S. next year.

Locally, Lakes Area Habitat for Humanity has been awarded 65 percent of the funds necessary to build two homes in 2009 through the alliance. These homes will be built by area volunteers, of whom at least half will be Lutheran and one-fourth will be Thrivent Financial members. The Habitat partner families will also invest 300 hours of "sweat equity" helping to build their homes. Construction will begin in the spring. Each home will take about six weeks complete.

"This has increased our capacity to serve more families," said Kevin Pelkey, executive director of Lakes Area Habitat for Humanity. "The Lutheran alliance that has come about because of this program has been both gratifying and beneficial."

"Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity has given our Thrivent Members an opportunity to put their faith into action to make a difference in our communities," said Stanley Franek, Lutheran Community Services specialist of the North Central Minnesota Region of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.