First wall up goes up at the Case-Kawaauhau home in Kawaihae on Hawaiian Home Lands. (Photo courtesy of Habitat for Humanity)

MEDIA RELEASE

Habitat for Humanity West Hawaii’s work to provide affordable housing has helped the international nonprofit organization rank as the sixth largest homebuilder on Builder magazine’s top 100 list.

With 6,032 closings in 2010, this is the second time Habitat for Humanity has placed in the top 10.

“Our placement on the Builder 100 list is a testament to what can be accomplished when people work together,” said Larry Gluth, senior vice president of U.S. and Canada for Habitat for Humanity International. “So many families in the United States and around the world face an incredible need for affordable housing, and this need only increases during challenging economic times. Habitat works every day to help these families, and we are grateful for the generosity of our donors, volunteers and advocates who have joined our efforts to help families obtain safe, decent and affordable homes and to strengthen communities.”

In 2010, Habitat for Humanity West Hawaii has helped three families obtain affordable housing and plans to build four this year. Since 2002, the affiliate has built nine homes.

“We are thrilled that our work to provide affordable housing has contributed to Habitat’s ranking as the sixth largest builder in the United States,” said Patrick Hurney, executive director at Habitat West Hawaii. “We are proud to help families obtain affordable housing, and we thank our supporters for their commitment to helping families in need.”

The Builder 100 list is an annual compilation of the largest homebuilders in the country. In 2009, Habitat for Humanity ranked eighth on the list with 5,294 closings, marking the first time the organization made it to the top 10.

Habitat for Humanity West Hawaii is a locally run affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing organization. Habitat for Humanity works in partnership with people in need to build and renovate decent, affordable housing.

In addition, Habitat for Humanity West Hawaii’s ReStore offers a wide variety of new and gently used home improvement products at discounted prices of up to 50-90 percent off retail value. Community donations for Habitat ReStore are always welcome.

Proceeds generated through these donations help build homes for Habitat families. ReStore accepts clean furniture, building materials, working appliances, flooring, doors, windows, cabinets, sinks/toilets, lighting, home furnishings, electrical, hardware and plumbing supplies.

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 400,000 houses worldwide, providing simple, decent and affordable shelter for more than 2 million people.

For more information, or to donate or volunteer, visit www.habitat.org

Groundbreaking ceremony for the Gail Noeau home in Kawaihae. (Photo courtesy of Habitat for Humanity)