Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles Receives Habitat for Humanity International Award for Creativity and Innovation

    REDONDO BEACH, CA, January 27, 2009 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Habitat for Humanity International (http://www.habitat.org) has recognized "Nickels for Nails", Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles' (http://www.habitatla.org) youth fundraising program, with the Clarence Jordan award as part of the house-building ministry's annual "Pioneers in Excellence" program. Awards are given to Habitat affiliates and volunteers who have demonstrated productivity, innovation and creativity in their efforts to eliminate substandard housing around the world.

Nickels for Nails (http://habitatla.org/nickels_for_nails.asp) is an ongoing initiative, established in the Fall of 2007, that engages youth ages 5-25 to raise funds for Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles' all youth-built house. Youth participate as individuals or groups, collecting as many nickels (though any denomination is accepted) through ongoing efforts and special fund drives throughout the year. These include an online "friends ask friends" fund drive, a letter writing campaign and special events. Teachers or youth group coordinators who sign up for the program receive a coin collection container for their group filled with resources. They are also invited to download curriculum to educate their students about the growing housing crisis and how everyone can help eradicate poverty housing. As an added incentive, top fundraising groups and individuals are eligible to win prizes and are recognized for their achievements every year.

Award winners were selected in these categories:

Affiliate of the Year: for extraordinary accomplishments in advancing Habitat for Humanity's mission. One affiliate was selected in each of the following categories based on the populations they serve:
• Communities of less than 50,000 people
• Communities of 50,000-250,000 people
• Communities with a population greater than 250,000
Clarence Jordan award (two affiliate recipients): for creativity or innovation in any area of affiliate operations
Volunteer of the Year award (two recipients): for a significant contribution to advance the mission of Habitat for Humanity

Award winners were recognized at HFHI's National Conference in Atlanta, Ga., Jan. 22, 2009.

"Habitat for Humanity is able to take significant strides across the United States because generous partners are supporting our work, and hundreds of U.S. affiliates are working so vigorously to reach more families in need of better homes," said Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International. "The Pioneer Awards give us the chance to recognize those extraordinary efforts and to say thank you for the innovation, faith and compassion with which people pursue and fulfill our mission every day."

Erin Rank, president/CEO, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles added, "I congratulate our youth volunteers in Greater Los Angeles for their exemplary efforts, which led to this award. It is inspiring to see tomorrow's leaders making an impact in our community today. Their efforts will lead to another family receiving a safe and affordable place to live."

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF GREATER LOS ANGELES strives to eliminate poverty housing through advocacy, education and partnership with families in need to build simple, decent affordable housing. Since 1990, HFH GLA has built and renovated more than 300 homes, transforming the lives of hundreds of individuals. For more information, visit www.habitatla.org.

About Habitat for Humanity International
Habitat for Humanity International is an ecumenical Christian ministry that welcomes to its work all people dedicated to the cause of eliminating poverty housing. Since its founding in 1976, Habitat has built nearly 300,000 houses worldwide, providing simple, decent and affordable shelter for more than 1.5 million people. For more information, visit www.habitat.org.

Contact:
Jo-An Turman
Habitat for Humanity GLA
310-323-4663 x121
[email protected]

Pam Campbell
Habitat for Humanity International
(615) 598-2022
[email protected]

For more information regarding Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles and its award-winning Nickels for Nails youth fundraising program, visit www.HabitatLA.org. For all other media inquiries please contact Angela Moore at 310-429-8868 or [email protected].

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