Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Mid-Atlantic Chapter is partnering with Arundel Habitat for Humanity in a national effort to build decent, affordable houses with Lutheran congregations across the nation!  Thrivent Financial for Lutherans has committed to partner with Habitat for Humanity International in a national $21.7 million house-building effort to construct more than 300 affordable homes through its Thrivent Builds Homes program!  Since 2006, Arundel Habitat has been able to build five houses in the Brooklyn neighborhood of Baltimore City through Thrivent Builds Homes  and with the help and support of local Thrivent members and Lutheran congregations.
 
In 2008, Thrivent partners Dave Schultz and Ken Ropp helped to coordinate the Thrivent Builds house at 441 Freeman Street. They also took the lead to build 439 Freeman Street with support from the local Thrivent Board and an ecumencial coalition of churches. "Since the two Freeman Street properties sit right behind the Thrivent Builds houses on Patapsco Avenue, it just makes sense to create this small community together," said Dan Ellis, executive director at Arundel Habitat, "We are very fortunate to have partners like Dave and Ken who have been enthusiastic supporters of decent, affordable housing."

This year, the Thrivent Builds partnership will focus its efforts on building a house in Arundel Habitat's "Family-owned land" program. Many families in Anne Arundel County own the land they are living on, but their houses are in terrible condition. The "Family-owned land" program makes it possible for families to build decent, affordable homes so they can continue to live on the land they own.

Thrivent Financial for Lutherans has already committed to a lead gift that will help fund extensive reconstruction on the house that currently stands on property that is owned by Sheri Jones and her mother, Brenda Moses. This gift will be matched with funds raised by partnering Lutheran churches. Thrivent members and Lutheran volunteers will work with other Arundel Habitat volunteers to rebuild a house for Brenda, Sheri and Sheri's daughter Shaquanda on land that has been passed down from generation to generation. this house is being built in memory of Bertie Carter -- Sheri's grandmother. It was Bertie's dearest wish to see her daughter Brenda, her grandaughter Sheri, and her great-grandaughter Shaquanda living together on "the family place."

This year's Thrivent Build will make that wish come true. We look forward to another year of building in fellowship with local Thrivent members, area Lutherans, and members of the Thrivent board.  

To learn more about this extraordinary partnership, visit www.thriventbuilds.com.  

ABOUT ARUNDEL HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
Arundel Habitat for Humanity builds decent, affordable homes with low-income families who currently live in sub-standard or inadequate housing in Anne Arundel County or a nearby community. Homeowners are selected based on annual income—$17,000 and $34,000—and contribute up to 400 sweat equity hours working on their own houses or other Habitat houses. They purchase their Habitat house through no-profit, no interest loans. This year, AHFH plans to place 21 families in decent, affordable homes.

ABOUT THRIVENT FINANCIAL FOR LUTHERANS
Thrivent Financial for Lutherans is a not-for-profit membership organization helping nearly 3 million members achieve their financial goals and give back to their communities. As a not-for-profit fraternal benefit society, Thrivent Financial sponsors national outreach programs and activities that support congregations, schools, charitable organizations and individuals in need. Thrivent Financial has main offices in Minneapolis, Minn., and Appleton, Wis. For more information, visit www.thrivent.com.

For more information contact:
Tracie Allen
Arundel Habitat for Humanity
410.384.9212 x119
[ email ]