Habitat for Humanity announces $5 million fundraising effort to rebuild Texas communities devastated by tornadoes

GM Foundation contributes first $500,000 toward goal

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May 17, 2013, 10:02 ET

ATLANTA, May 17, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Habitat for Humanity is launching a $5 million fundraising initiative to help rebuild homes and communities devastated in the wake of tornadoes that ripped through North Texas on Wednesday. Habitat will assist with clean up, repairs and the construction of as many homes as possible to help families recover from this disaster.

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The GM Foundation, a national Habitat partner, pledged the first $500,000 toward the goal.

"Habitat for Humanity is working to bring hope to the families who have lost so much," said Jonathan Reckford, CEO, Habitat for Humanity International. "We are particularly grateful to the GM Foundation for stepping up and immediately offering the lead gift of $500,000. We hope their generosity inspires others to support our efforts during this critical time for these families."

Habitat's initiative in Texas comes after several tornadoes ripped through Texas Wednesday night, including one that struck a community in the Granbury area, where up to 120 homes were damaged or destroyed in a neighborhood that included 61 Habitat for Humanity houses. Habitat for Humanity is assessing the impact on these homes and other affordable housing in the affected areas.

"Helping Texas residents rebuild and repair their homes is a critical priority for Habitat for Humanity International in the aftermath of the recent tornadoes," said Selim Bingol, vice president, GM Global Communications and Public Policy and Chairman of the GM Foundation. "Through the $500,000 grant from the GM Foundation and recently donated Chevrolet Express Vans, we are helping the organization immediately provide financial and other important resources to those in need."

Donations to Habitat's $5 million fundraising initiative can be made at https://www.habitat.org/cd/giving/one/donate.aspx?link=486.

About Habitat for Humanity International
Habitat for Humanity International is a global nonprofit Christian housing organization that seeks to put God's love into action by bringing people together to build homes, communities and hope. Since 1976, Habitat has served more than 600,000 families by welcoming people of all races, religions and nationalities to construct, rehabilitate or preserve homes; by advocating for fair and just housing policies; and by providing training and access to resources to help families improve their shelter conditions. For more information, to donate or to volunteer, please visit www.habitat.org, or follow us at www.facebook.com/habitat or at www.twitter.com/habitat_org or join Habitat's blog community at www.habitat.org/blog.

SOURCE Habitat for Humanity International