Local Faith Communities Unite for 2nd Annual Lent Build with Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA – February 16, 2012: Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles (HFH GLA) and churches of all denominations will observe this year’s Lenten season by volunteering to build and renovate ten homes throughout Greater Los Angeles. The 2^nd Annual Lent Build: 40 Days of Building on Faith will kick-off with a ceremony on Tuesday, February 21, 2012 from 9:00 – 10:00 am at a build site in South Gate. During Tuesday’s event a representative from Habitat for Humanity will be joined by Rt. Rev. Alexei Smith, Director of Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and Habitat partner homeowners and volunteers who will reflect on the importance of setting aside time to make a lasting difference during Lent, a season of giving. Building will officially commence on Ash Wednesday, February 22, 2012 when members of Faith United Methodist Church of Torrance volunteer to build.

“We realize that renovating ten homes in forty days is a lofty goal, however we believe anything is possible with the support of the local faith community,” says Erin Rank, President & CEO of HFH GLA. “The combined efforts of our Lent Build volunteers, giving a few hours of their time, will clean up neighborhoods and greatly improve the quality of life for our partner homeowners and their families.”

Last year, 28 congregations volunteered during Lent, building and renovating two affordable homes for hardworking partner homeowners. More volunteers are needed this year as the organization has increased its goal from renovating two homes to ten in forty days. Any individual, or church group in Greater Los Angeles, interested in lending a hand up with Habitat for Humanity during Lent is urged to contact Chris Untiet, HFH GLA Faith Relations Manager, at chrisu@habitatla.org or 424-246-HOME (4663).

Habitat for Humanity is an ecumenical Christian Housing Ministry. Propelled by the belief that everyone has the right to adequate shelter, Habitat for Humanity has completed 500,000 homes worldwide. In Los Angeles, HFH GLA has built and renovated more than 700 homes locally and worldwide and is committed to green building practices. HFH GLA homes give back to the environment, as well as to partner families by providing them with long-term savings.

2^nd Annual Lent Build Kick-Off Event

Tuesday, February 21^st  

9am to 10 am in South Gate

About Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles (HFH GLA) strives to eliminate substandard housing through advocacy, education and partnership with families and individuals in need to build simple, sustainable and affordable housing. Since 1990, HFH GLA has built and renovated more than 700 homes locally and worldwide, transforming the lives of hundreds of individuals. HFH GLA is a GuideStar® Valued Partner and has achieved the coveted Charity Navigator 4-Star rating awarded to non-profits for sound fiscal management and commitment to accountability and transparency. For more information, please visit http://www.habitatla.org or call 310-323-4663. Visit our blog at http://buildingagreaterla.blogspot.com.

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