Habitat for Humanity Affiliates Earn Double Votes on National Roof Over Your Head Day in $50,000 Online Competition

MEMPHIS, Tenn., Dec. 1, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Habitat for Humanity (Habitat) affiliates vying for their share of $50,000 in prize money in the American Home Shield® (AHS) Challenge for Change(SM) (AHSChallenge.com) online voting competition will soon have the opportunity to make a big jump in the current standings.  To show appreciation for affiliates' neighborhood revitalization efforts, votes cast on "National Roof Over Your Head Day," Friday, December 3, will count double.

"This unique holiday reminds us to be thankful for the basic things we often take for granted, such as the safety and protection that proper housing provides," says Nicole Ritchie, Director of Communications for AHS, one of the nation's leading home warranty companies. "Habitat for Humanity staff and volunteers help provide shelter to thousands of Americans each year. On December 3, we encourage everyone to show gratitude for the 'roof over their head' by going to www.AHSChallenge.com and casting their vote for their favorite Habitat affiliate and help them continue their outstanding service."

To drive voter turnout, Ritchie recommends supporters rally their friends and co-workers in a number of ways.  "Send a calendar reminder to your friends and co-workers.  Update your Facebook status. Tweet about it.  Send a text message.  Make a phone call.  There are a number of communications tools at your fingertips. Use what works best and help support your local Habitat affiliate."

The top three AHS Challenge for Change(SM) Habitat affiliates that receive the most votes will receive $25,000, $15,000 and $10,000 donations for their neighborhood revitalization initiatives.  Supporters can cast their vote at AHSChallenge.com once per day through January 31, 2011, for any of the following Habitat affiliates:

• Habitat for Humanity of Greater Memphis (TN)
• Almost Heaven Habitat for Humanity (WV)
• Habitat for Humanity Chicago South Suburbs (IL)
• Habitat for Humanity Genesee County (MI)
• Habitat for Humanity Indian River (FL)
• Habitat for Humanity Lake County (IL)
• Habitat for Humanity Morris County (NJ)
• Habitat for Humanity of Detroit (MI)
• Habitat for Humanity of Greater Columbus (OH)
• Habitat for Humanity of Kansas City (MO)
• Habitat for Humanity of Maumee Valley (OH)
• Habitat for Humanity of Seattle/ South King County (WA)
• Habitat for Humanity of Washington, D.C. (MD)
• Habitat for Humanity Tacoma/Pierce County (WA)
• Habitat for Humanity Waco (TX)

As part of this effort, AHS has also launched AHS Challenge for Change(SM) pages on Facebook (www.facebook.com/ahschallenge) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/ahschallenge) to provide fans and followers with contest updates, information on local Neighborhood Revitalization Projects, interesting community facts and helpful links.  For more information, including official rules/terms and conditions, visit AHSChallenge.com.

About American Home Shield®

American Home Shield® helped found the home warranty industry in 1971 and remains an industry leader, servicing 1.4 million customers across 49 states. The Memphis-based company operates three customer service centers, employs over 1,700 employees and over 11,000 approved, independently insured contractors nationwide. American Home Shield is part of the ServiceMaster family of brands, one of the world's largest and most versatile service networks. The company's brands include TruGreen, TruGreen LandCare, Terminix, American Home Shield, ServiceMaster Clean, Merry Maids, Furniture Medic, and AmeriSpec.

About ServiceMaster®

With a network of more than 5,100 company-owned and franchise locations, Memphis-based ServiceMaster is one of the world's largest residential and commercial service networks.  The company's high profile brands are TruGreen, TruGreen LandCare, Terminix, American Home Shield, ServiceMaster Clean, Merry Maids, Furniture Medic and AmeriSpec. Through its 66,000 employees and franchise employees, ServiceMaster's family of  brands serve more than 8.5 million customers every year and hold market-leading positions in residential and commercial lawn care and landscape maintenance, termite and pest control, home service contracts, furniture repair, home inspections, residential and commercial cleaning and disaster restoration. More information about ServiceMaster can be found at www.servicemaster.com.

About Habitat for Humanity®

Habitat for Humanity International is a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian organization that is dedicated to eliminating substandard housing and homelessness worldwide and to making adequate, affordable shelter a matter of conscience and action. It was founded on the conviction that every man, woman and child should have a simple, decent place to live in dignity and safety. For more information, visit www.habitat.org.

SOURCE American Home Shield