Habitat for Humanity Cabarrus County is beginning construction on its 2009 Thrivent Builds Homes project as part of $24 million effort across the U.S.

Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity alliance has built more than 1,000 homes since 2005, 314 additional homes will be built in U.S. in 2009

The alliance between Habitat for Humanity International and Thrivent Financial for Lutherans continues to build hope for low-income families amidst economic difficulties as the mortgage crisis unfolds nationwide. Since 2005, it has given more than 1,000 families an opportunity to achieve the American dream of homeownership. In 2009, Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity will contribute more than $24 million to help build another 314 affordable homes in 37 states and the District of Columbia. Hundreds of local Habitat affiliates will build these homes alongside members of Thrivent Financial and other community volunteers.

Locally, Habitat Cabarrus has been awarded $64,350, or 65 percent of the funds necessary, to build its fifth Thrivent home in 2009 through the alliance. This home will be built by area volunteers, most of which are members of Lutheran congregations. The Habitat partner who will receive this home will also invest at least 250 hours of "sweat equity" working alongside dedicated volunteers. Calvary Lutheran Church kicked off the construction on July 25th. Kimball Lutheran, Family of Faith Lutheran, Grace Lutheran, and Saint John's Lutheran churches are all also scheduled to participate. Not only do these churches give their time, but they also work together to raise more than $9,000 to complete the funding for the home.

Since the inception of the Thrivent Builds alliance, Habitat Cabarrus has built four homes through the Thrivent Builds Homes project in conjunction with more than 1,000 Thrivent Builds homes constructed across the nation. In 2009, Habitat Cabarrus joined 225 other Habitat affiliates in the U.S. to build 314 homes.

"The partnership with Thrivent Financial has been such a blessing to this affiliate and all affiliates across the nation." said Dean Johnson, executive director of Habitat Cabarrus. "With their help, we have been able to increase our house production and provide new homes for even more families in our community."

Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity supports Habitat home-building in the United States and abroad through its Thrivent Builds Homes and Thrivent Builds Worldwide programs. It also supports the Thrivent Builds Mobile, a "multi-media exhibit on wheels" that will tour the United States in 2009 as it advocates for affordable housing and informs visitors about the Thrivent Builds alliance and how they can become involved.

The agency recently completed its fifth Habitat house in Salisbury