Winner of Habitat for Humanity International Magazine Photo Contest Selected From Worldwide Submissions

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Jun 14, 2010, 11:36 ET

ATLANTA, June 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Habitat for Humanity is pleased to announce Neil Reid of Northern Ireland as the winner of its 2010 Habitat World photo contest. More than 350 people from around the world responded from February to April to Habitat World's call for photos representing the homebuilding organization's life-changing work.

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"We received more than 650 entries for our contest, and the photos truly capture the heart of Habitat's work around the world," said Shala Carlson, managing editor of Habitat World. "We are pleased that so many people shared with us their images of the housing need that exists everywhere and of Habitat's efforts to meet that need, and we congratulate our winner Neil Reid and our four finalists."

Reid, a 33-year-old civil engineer, submitted "New Hope," a photograph he took while volunteering with Habitat in Mozambique.

"To me, 'New Hope' summarizes all that Habitat stands for. We see a group of children, all of whom have a new home and all of whom have been given a new start in life," said Reid. "I truly hope my photograph will inspire even one person to undertake a trip with Habitat and help give a little something back."

A team of Habitat judges reviewed each submitted photo for its ability to capture Habitat's mission and impact, as well as its technical composition and quality.

As the contest winner, Reid receives a spot on a weeklong volunteer trip to Nepal in the fall where he will join hundreds of volunteers from around the world to build 30 homes as part of Habitat Nepal's Everest Build 2010.

Additionally, the photos submitted by Reid and the top four finalists -- Bob Carey of Thousand Oaks, Calif.; Marsha Williams of Cincinnati; Laurie Davis of Kent, Wash.; and Emily Rogers of Detroit -- will be published in Habitat World and on habitat.org and will be installed on a photo wall in Habitat's headquarters for one year.

Habitat World magazine is the flagship publication of Habitat for Humanity International. The quarterly has been honored by the Magazine Association of the Southeast and Association Media & Publishing and has a readership of more than 1 million. The September 2010 issue will feature the winning and finalist photos, along with observations from each of the recognized photographers.

About Habitat for Humanity International

Habitat for Humanity International is an ecumenical Christian ministry that welcomes to its work all people dedicated to the cause of eliminating poverty housing. Since its founding in 1976, Habitat has built, rehabilitated, repaired or improved more than 350,000 houses worldwide, providing simple, decent and affordable shelter for more than 1.75 million people. For more information, or to donate or volunteer, visit www.habitat.org.

SOURCE Habitat for Humanity International