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Gulf Coast Update Archive
January 2010
- Connor's Garden Blooms
- The Partnership Continues
- Partner Family Spotlight
- Lead a trip. Build an entire community and life-long relationships
- Make an Even Bigger Impact – Donate Today
- Send us Your Story
- Gulf Coast Update Archive
Connor's Garden Blooms
The most recent milestone in the one-of-a-kind partnership between Thrivent Builds and Habitat for Humanity of the Mississippi Gulf Coast is the completion of the 28 homes in Connor's Garden Subdivision as a part of the 2009 $1.7 million commitment. Over 390 volunteers participating in the program were able complete all 28 homes in only 9 months! Construction began in March 2009 and all 28 homes were completed by the end of December 2009.
In addition to the 28 Thrivent Builds-sponsored homes, HFHMGC will be building 12 more homes in Connor's Garden. Once these additional homes are completed, Connor's Garden subdivision will consist of forty ENERGY STAR certified homes. Innovative building techniques have been incorporated into the construction process to improve the energy efficiency of the homes. This translates into lower utilities for partner families and a greener Gulf Coast. Originally platted in the early twentieth century, Connor's Garden showcases new floor plans to better fit the size and shape of the house lots. Southern architecture and landscaping packages transform this development of houses into a welcoming neighborhood.
There are currently eight families in the process of becoming Habitat homeowners in Connor's Garden.
The Partnership Continues
Since the inception of the Thrivent Builds Worldwide Gulf Coast Community, 68 homes have been built by more than 730 volunteers and Thrivent Financial for Lutherans has donated a whopping $4.2 million!
The partnership between HFHMGC and Thrivent Financial for Lutherans will continue into 2010. Thrivent Builds Worldwide Gulf Coast Community will be hosting 25 teams of volunteers in 2010. A contribution will be made on behalf of each team. If you are looking to plan a trip to participate in TBWGCC in 2010, book your trip as soon as possible. Trip weeks are filling quickly.
"The continuing partnership between Thrivent Financial and Habitat for Humanity in 2010 provides an ongoing focus for volunteers, helping ensure that even more families will have not only have decent, affordable housing, they will also have the opportunity for prosperity," declares Chris Monforton, CEO of Habitat for Humanity of the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
Partner Family Spotlight
Ms. Donna and her family are well on their way to becoming proud homeowners on Thrivent Lane. When Ms. Donna is not completing her sweat equity, she enjoys cooking, watching movies and playing with her two children, Maurianna (9) and Dominik (2). Ms. Donna has been in retail management for five years. The family currently lives in a cramped two bedroom apartment and are in need of additional space for their growing family. Ms. Donna would like to say "Thank you for the opportunity to be a part of this program and for giving me the chance to give my children a better home."
Lead a trip. Build an entire community and life-long relationships.
Thrivent Financial has committed millions of dollars to help rebuild entire neighborhoods in Gulf CoastOn behalf of its members, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans committed $2.5 million to Habitat for Humanity of the Mississippi Gulf Coast in 2008 to build up to 40 homes-nearly all in the Trace Lane community-and contribute to the affiliate's ability to serve more families. In 2009, Thrivent Financial built a new Community in Gulfport, Mississippi where it is committing an additional $1.7 million. And the work will continue in 2010!
Your enthusiasm and leadership skills are the catalyst to help your congregation, Lutheran group or local chapter of Thrivent Financial experience a life-changing trip. Take the lead and help build a home with a partner family in need of simple, decent, affordable housing.
- Learn more about becoming a team leader.
- Take advantage of the benefits of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans membership.
Make an Even Bigger Impact – Donate Today
Through the Thrivent Builds Worldwide Gulf Coast Community program, Thrivent Financial members are helping families to rebuild their homes – and their lives – in the Missisippi Gulf Coast. But the need is still great:
- Only 15% of the homes along the Gulf Coast destroyed by Hurricanes Rita and Katrina have been rebuilt.
- Thousands of families are still living in unsafe, temporary housing.
- More than 100 families are in the pipeline, waiting for homes with Habitat for Humanity of the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
Send us Your Story
Have you been part of a Thrivent Builds Worldwide Gulf Coast Community trip? Do you have stories or photos you'd like to share with others? Send them to Nicole Doebert for consideration in future issues of the Gulf Coast Update. We want YOU to share the experience and inspire others to help!
Gulf Coast Update Archive
If you would like to read previous issues of the Gulf Coast Update, simply access the Gulf Coast Update Archive from this link or from the left navigation bar.