MEDIA RELEASE

Kailua-Kona, HI (July 5, 2011) – Habitat for Humanity West Hawaii has been selected by Habitat for Humanity International to receive a portion of a $5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Habitat for Humanity International is distributing the grant nationwide to 30 affiliates to support affordable housing and community development. The funding will be awarded under HUD’s Section 4 Capacity Building for Community Development and Affordable Housing Program.

“This grant will help us to significantly increase our capacity to address the chronic need for affordable housing in West Hawaii,” says Patrick Hurney, Executive Director for the West Hawaii affiliate.

Habitat affiliates selected to receive a portion of the grant will help rebuild and revitalize neighborhoods and improve the lives of residents by creating affordable housing opportunities through community development. Each affiliate is expected to increase their house production by at least 15 percent over three years and to match their grant funds by a ratio of 4:1. The selected affiliates will also have access to continuing education to enhance their technical and administrative capabilities.

“We are grateful to HUD for supporting our efforts in local communities,” said Jonathan Reckford, chief executive officer of Habitat for Humanity International. “Funding from this grant will leverage private funds to help Habitat affiliates revitalize communities and provide opportunities for families to live in healthy, safe and affordable homes.”

Habitat for Humanity International began receiving HUD grants in 1998. Habitat affiliates have received $58 million in Section 4 HUD funding since 2003. Nearly 380 affiliates nationwide have benefited from the grants.