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Gulf Coast Update Archive
July 2009
- Volunteers turn up the heat in the Thrivent Builds Worldwide Gulf Coast Community
- Connor's Garden
- Happy New Homeowner on Thrivent Lane
- 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
Volunteers turn up the heat in the Thrivent Builds Worldwide Gulf Coast Community
Despite the Mississippi summer heat, Thrivent Builds Worldwide Gulf Coast Community volunteers have been pushing through and making great progress on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. With Thrivent Builds' first twenty-eight house subdivision already completed, the second development, Connor's Garden is well underway. All land needed has been acquired and the local power company is preparing to install street lights.
Although much work remains to be done, we are moving at an incredible pace. Thanks to the amazing volunteers who take time out of their busy schedules to assist in the building efforts along the Gulf Coast, the area is able to move forward.
Connor's Garden
There are currently twelve homes in the Gulfport neighborhood, three of which have been completed and the Certificates of Occupancy have been issued. The landscape plans have been developed, and will be implemented when the development is nearer to completion.
The quick production of these homes could not be done without the help of dedicated Thrivent Builds volunteers. This month, Thrivent volunteers have done everything from beginning tasks, such as assembling and raising walls, to finishing jobs, such as siding.
A special thanks to the two Thrivent Builds teams lead by Nathan Anenson and Karen Facer who came down to help build this month! You toiled under the hot sun for long hours to help make a difference. Thanks for your hard work!
Happy New Homeowner on Thrivent Lane
Habitat for Humanity of the Mississippi Gulf Coast is pleased that a new homeowner has moved on to Thrivent Lane. Ms. Bethany has been an enthusiastic participant in the Habitat for Humanity Homeownership Program since August of 2008. Being a single mother to one daughter, Cecily, and working full time did not prevent her from keeping her eyes focused on her goal… becoming a homeowner. She consistently worked towards completing her program requirements and currently enjoys the fruit of her labor. Bethany and her daughter are now one of three families to be living on Thrivent Lane. The family moved into their home on at the beginning of this month. Congratulations, Bethany!
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 will start building a new Community in Gulfport, Mississippi where it is committing an additional $1.7 million.
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 40 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.