Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles Announces Three Ways to Advocate for Affordable Housing on World Habitat Day October 4th

    LOS ANGELES, CA, September 28, 2010 /24-7PressRelease/ -- This year October 4th marks both World Habitat Day and the first day of Act! Speak! Build! Week - making it an exciting day for Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles (HFH GLA) supporters of all ages. As a leading builder of affordable and sustainable housing, HFH GLA will call attention to the worldwide affordable housing crisis, as well as Los Angeles' need to stabilize and revitalize neighborhoods in three exciting ways. Now through October 5th supporters may promote HFH GLA's work by submitting photos of themselves holding signs that read "What Will You Build" or photos that display messages addressing what needs to be built in their communities to meet housing needs. On construction sites, HFH GLA will honor World Habitat Day by engaging volunteers in a variety of advocacy activities. HFH GLA will also use this day to kick off its 5th annual Act! Speak! Build! Week, a youth-led week of advocacy in action.

"Between the activities planned for World Habitat Day and the 'What Will You Build' photo petition, we are so fortunate to have a variety of ways this year that our supporters in Los Angeles can join us and others around the world in raising awareness for affordable housing," said Erin Rank, President and CEO, HFH GLA. "It is equally exciting for us to kick off Act! Speak! Build! Week, giving youth the opportunity to learn that there is strength in numbers, as well as that you're never too young to start making a difference."

The annual Act! Speak! Build! Week begins on October 4th and will continue through October 10th. Throughout the week local youth ages 5-25, as well as teachers, youth leaders, schools and organizations will be making affordable housing a matter of conscience and action by participating in activities designed to educate each other and their communities on the need to make adequate housing a reality for all. Examples of activities include making videos, showing a film or reading a book highlighting housing issues and writing letters to President Obama. For more information and to register visit: http://www.habitatla.org/act_speak_build.asp or contact Melissa Killian, Youth Programs Coordinator at 310.323.4663 x109, [email protected].

All HFH GLA supporters, including youth participating in Act! Speak! Build! Week, are encouraged to participate in the "What Will You Build?" photo petition by submitting photos and helping Habitat for Humanity to reach their goal of 3,000 photos worldwide. The pictures will be sent to elected officials as a reminder to make affordable housing a priority for hardworking families and individuals in the United States and abroad. Youth ages 5-25 should send photos to [email protected]. All other photos should be submitted to [email protected]. Photos must be received by October 5th and be two mega bites or smaller.

About Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles (HFH GLA) strives to eliminate poverty housing through advocacy, education and partnership with families in need to build simple, decent, affordable and sustainable housing. Since 1990, HFH GLA has built and renovated over 630 homes locally and worldwide, transforming the lives of hundreds of individuals. HFH GLA is a GuideStar Valued Partner. For more information, please visit www.habitatla.org or call 310-323-4663. Visit our blog at http://buildingagreaterla.blogspot.com.
# # #

Media Contacts:

Jo-An Turman
Sr. Dir. Marketing & Communications
T: 310-323-4663 ext. 121
[email protected]

Angela Moore
Starfish P.R.
T: 310-429-8868
[email protected]

# # #