Habitat for Humanity to Celebrate World Habitat Day

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Sep 27, 2011, 10:00 ET

ATLANTA, Sept. 27, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- In recognition of World Habitat Day 2011, Habitat for Humanity International and its affiliates are hosting hundreds of events to address the need for decent housing around the world. World Habitat Day, observed this year on Oct. 3, is designated each year by the United Nations as a time to reflect on the dire need for adequate shelter.

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"It's such a perfect fit for Habitat for Humanity to emphasize the observance of World Habitat Day," said Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International. "With 1.6 billion people around the world living in inadequate shelter, we want to make it clear that housing challenges affect everyone, and it will take participation by all sectors of society to find solutions. We are pleased to see so many Habitat for Humanity organizations around the globe making special efforts to raise awareness for affordable housing issues and engaging others in furthering our mission to build homes, communities and hope."

On World Habitat Day, Habitat for Humanity International will dedicate its 500,000th house built or rehabilitated around the world in Maai Mahiu, Kenya, and raise walls on its 500,001st house in Paterson, N.J.

Habitat will continue its observance of World Habitat Day with Build Hope: A World Habitat Day Event Recognizing Humanitarian Leadership, which will bring together friends of Habitat for Humanity, government officials, congressional representatives, and corporate and philanthropic leaders to focus attention on World Habitat Day and spotlight Habitat's disaster response and rebuilding efforts in Haiti. The event also will highlight Habitat's 28th annual Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project, taking place in Leogane, Haiti, Nov. 5-12.

In recognition of World Habitat Day, Habitat for Humanity International will unveil its 2012 Shelter Report in Washington, D.C., at an event being held in conjunction with the Brookings Institution. The report entitled "Build Hope: Housing Cities after a Disaster" focuses on the critical need for disaster planning and long-term recovery particularly in urban and developing areas with large populations.

Visit www.habitat.org/cd/local/event.aspx to see a list of Habitat for Humanity World Habitat Day events.

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 500,000 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