New sponsor joins Ten for Joplin project

(From Tulsa Habitat for Humanity)

Habitat for Humanity International’s Women Build program is donating $100,000 and providing 30 women volunteers to construct a Women Build house during “Ten for Joplin,” a 10-house blitz build in Joplin, Mo., this fall. An effort of Tulsa Habitat for Humanity and Joplin Area Habitat for Humanity, “Ten for Joplin” aims to build by Thanksgiving 10 Habitat houses in partnership with 10 low-income families affected by the May 22 EF-5 tornado that damaged or destroyed nearly 7,500 Joplin houses. Some 43 percent of these houses were uninsured. The build will take place from Oct. 29 - Nov. 13 in a neighborhood of Joplin that was in the tornado’s path.

Underwritten by Lowe’s, Habitat for Humanity International's Women Build program recruits, educates and inspires women to build and advocate for simple, decent and affordable houses in their communities. More than 1,900 Habitat houses have been built by all-women construction crews since 1998.

“Women Build brings together women from all walks of life to create affordable housing in partnership with low-income families,” said Lisa Marie Nickerson, associate director of Habitat for Humanity’s Women Build program. “Knowing the need in Joplin is so great and will require support from thousands of volunteers and donors, we are honored to sponsor a house on behalf of all of the women who support Habitat’s mission around the world.”

In addition to Women Build, “Ten for Joplin” sponsors include the Anne and Henry Zarrow Foundation, Arvest Bank, BKD CPAs & Advisors, Chase, Hilti, Samson, and TD Williamson, Inc. Advanced Industrial Devices, Inc. and Unit Corporation also signed up to sponsor half a house each. Gift in-kind donations have been provided by Cor-A-Vent, Hilti, and Thermal Windows, Inc. United Way contributed tornado relief funds to help with the purchase of the ten lots. Funding of $800,000 and gift-in-kind support is needed for the 10-house blitz build. To date, “Ten for Joplin” has secured $605,000 toward this goal.

To donate or volunteer, visit the “Ten for Joplin” website at www.tenforjoplin.org. For information on volunteering with Women Build, please visit http://www.habitat.org/cd/local/event.aspx.