Habitat for Humanity volunteers raise walls for 10 Joplin families

(From Habitat for Humanity)

About 400 volunteers from the Tulsa and Joplin area joined hands and hearts today to raise the walls on 10 homes for tornado-impacted families. It’s a testament to the power of community and what can be accomplished when people come together to help those in need.

The grassroots effort began with a few people from Tulsa asking how they could help after a visit to witness the May 22 EF-5 tornado’s devastation firsthand. Within a few months, those questions blossomed into the Ten for Joplin project to build 10 homes over 16 days.

The project is a partnership between Tulsa and Joplin Area Habitat for Humanity teams, the City of Joplin, surrounding businesses and organizations, and thousands of volunteers to rebuild Joplin.

In just a little over seven weeks, Ten for Joplin has raised $789,000 toward its $800,000 cash goal and approximately $270,000 worth of in-kind gifts. Donations will be accepted through the 16-day build on its website at www.tenforjoplin.org. Any excess cash raised will be applied to future Habitat
for Humanity builds in the tornado-ravaged area of Joplin.

“This project is about more than constructing houses, it’s about rebuilding a community,” said Paul Kent, executive director of Tulsa Habitat for Humanity. “We’re starting with just a few walls today, but in a matter of weeks this place will be transformed. We’re all excited to be a part of providing a fresh start and secure environment for these families.”

In addition to a community developer sponsorship from the Habitat for Humanity International’s Women Build program, companies sponsoring houses are The Anne and Henry Zarrow Foundation, Arvest Bank, BKD CPAs & Advisors, Chase, Hilti, Samson and T.D. Williamson, Inc. Organizations that have signed on to sponsor a half house include Advanced Industrial Devices, Inc., Commerce
Bank/William T. Kemper Foundation, Helmerich & Payne, Unit Corporation and Valley National Bank. Other major contributors include Asbury United Methodist Church, Bank of Oklahoma, Society of St. Vincent de Paul of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, The Home Depot Foundation, The Mary K. Chapman Foundation and Williams.

Companies donating gifts in-kind include Thermal Windows, Turner Roofing, TAMKO Building Products and numerous others.

To find out more about the project, go to the website at www.tenforjoplin.org.