FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Betsy Harden
HFHTC
(209) 536-0970
betsyharden@habitattuolumne.org
Julie Yenichek
Lowe's Companies
(704) 758-4364
julie.v.yenichek@lowes.com
Habitat for Humanity of Tuolumne County
April 19, 2010
Sonora, California - Habitat for Humanity of Tuolumne County has taken a significant step toward providing affordable housing for 36 hard-working Tuolumne County families. With the help of Lowe's, Habitat for Humanity of Tuolumne County (HFHTC) now owns the Parrot's Ferry Village subdivision, a development in Columbia.
HFHTC's Executive Director, Betsy Harden, commented on the way Tuolumne County residents and businesses have backed the project so far. "The outpouring of support from the community has been amazing," Harden said. "We're so fortunate Lowe's recognized the determination of the local community and their need for affordable housing, and committed to partnering with HFHTC to help fund this ambitious effort."
With additional community support, the subdivision will be developed as part of HFHTC's effort to eliminate poverty housing and provide simple, decent affordable housing built in partnership with homeowners, volunteers and sponsors. Lowe's, a national partner with Habitat for Humanity since 2003, provided HFHTC $400,000 in support of this development.
HFHTC's acquisition of the Parrot's Ferry development is a milestone for local affordable housing. A recent study by the Central Sierra Planning Council has revealed that Tuolumne County has a significant need for affordable housing and may continue to for some time. HFHTC expects to build 36 single-family townhomes in the Parrott's Ferry development over a five to six year period.
"Substandard housing is a serious concern in every state, and we are proud to be part of an initiative that will help 36 California families have a safe and affordable place to live," said Larry D. Stone, Lowe's President and chairman of the Lowe's Charitable and Educational Foundation. "Opportunities to make an impact in a local community like Tuolumne County are what bring our partnership with Habitat for Humanity to life."
About Habitat for Humanity Tuolumne County
An affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, HFHTC was founded in 1999. Since then the
organization has renovated three houses and has just completed its' sixth single-family home. These homes
have assisted 14 adults and 24 children and demonstrated the organization's commitment to provide affordable
housing for low-income families.
HFHTC achieves this goal by helping qualified local families build and finance their own homes. The partner families agree to invest 500 sweat equity hours and pay the interest-free mortgage provided by Habitat. The organization uses volunteer labor and donations from the community to keep building costs low. For more information about Habitat for Humanity, to make a donation or to inquire about participating in a Habitat project, contact the local Habitat office at 536-0970, email betsyharden@habitattuolumne.org, or visit www.habitattuolumne.org.
About Lowe's
Lowe's is a proud supporter of Habitat for Humanity International, American Red Cross, SkillsUSA/Skills
Canada, and The Nature Conservancy, in addition to numerous non-profit organizations and programs that help
communities in North America. In 2009, Lowe's and the Lowe's Charitable and Educational Foundation together
contributed more than $30 million to support community and education projects in the United States, Canada
and Mexico. Lowe's also encourages volunteerism through the Lowe's Heroes program, a company-wide
employee volunteer initiative. Lowe's is a FORTUNE 50 company with fiscal year 2009 sales of $47.2 billion
and has more than 1,700 stores in the United States, Canada and Mexico. For more information, visit
Lowes.com/community.
About Habitat for Humanity
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, rehabilitated,
repaired or improved more than 350,000 houses worldwide, providing simple, decent and affordable shelter for
more than 1.75 million people. For more information, or to donate or volunteer, visit www.habitat.org.
Habitat for Humanity of Tuolumne County, Inc.
171 N. Washington Street, Suite H
Sonora, CA 95370
Phone: 209-536-0970
Email: betsyharden@habitattuolumne.org