Times are tough and the construction of new homes has slowed considerably across the country. But here in Gypsum, six families will mark an important milestone in the construction of their new homes—and the community is invited to join in on the fun! The celebration begins at 5:30 pm on Wednesday, April 10, 2013 at the construction site at 99 Jules Drive in Gypsum. Along with local Habitat for Humanity and Thrivent Financial representatives, the new families will be present during a short program.
One of these new homes is a result of a partnership between Habitat for Humanity International and Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. Called Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity, this partnership has resulted in more than 2,700 Habitat homes across the country and around the world since 2005. Thanks to its 2.5 million members who own financial products with the organization, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans is able to contribute to the improvement of communities like Gypsum. Thrivent Financial contributed 55 percent of the house cost—and is also engaging local volunteers who are members of Thrivent Financial, members of area Lutheran churches and members of the community at large, to donate additional funds and volunteer their time to work alongside the partner families to build these homes.
“We are so grateful to have Trish French and the Thrivent team helping to rally the whole faith community, throughout Eagle County, together to help build these homes. It is one of my favorite parts of this partnership.” Kalie Palmer, Habitat for Humanity Volunteer Coordinator.
The families are more than a little eager to begin construction of their new home. They will complete hundreds of hours of “sweat equity” helping to build it, a basic tenet of Habitat for Humanity. They will also repay the no-profit mortgage over a period of 30 years, illustrating Habitat for Humanity’s objective to give families a “hand up” rather than a “hand out.”
“Being able to help provide a family with a home means so much to Thrivent members,” added Trish French, Thrivent Financial. “Volunteering is important to them, and this gives them a great way to personally support our community by helping families achieve their own financial security.”
To learn more, visit www.thriventbuilds.com.