LOCAL HOMEOWNERS GET MUCH-NEEDED REPAIRS THROUGH "A BRUSH WITH KINDNESS" PROGRAM

    /24-7PressRelease/ - GARDENA, CA, April 09, 2008 - Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles (www.habitatla.org) is launching its second year of its "A Brush with Kindness" program and is currently seeking qualified homeowner applicants and volunteers. Repairs are limited to home exterior painting, landscaping, some window and door repairs and all work is typically completed in one to two days. Habitat for Humanity launched the program last year, providing much-needed repairs to 70 homes throughout Greater L.A. The program is run completely by donations and volunteers who assist homeowners who are unable to maintain their homes due to age, illness or income restraints. Individual and group volunteer opportunities are available Tuesday through Saturday.

"Our "A Brush with Kindness" program allows us to help more families than ever before, many of whom are struggling to keep their homes safe or simply to stay in their homes," says Erin Rank, president/CEO Habitat for Humanity GLA. "As our volunteer base grows, so will our ability to help more families. This program is a critical step in achieving our mission to eliminate poverty."

Habitat for Humanity has built over 230 homes in Greater Los Angeles and last year they announced a three-year "Building a Greater Los Angeles" campaign with a goal to build and renovate 250 more homes. The "A Brush with Kindness" program increases the organization's ability to help more local families, while strengthening communities and uniting neighborhoods. Additionally, young people who would not otherwise be allowed on a construction site are able to participate in the ABWK program.

Volunteers focus on exterior repair services and all work is performed by 10 -20 volunteers alongside able-bodied homeowners such as Donna Russell of Los Angeles. "There were at least twenty things wrong with my house from the plumbing on up," says Russell. "I had no back door and broken windows, they replaced them all. I have an old furnace that hasn't worked in at least 15 years, and they got that working! The time that the volunteers put in is really heartwarming, I wish I was retired so I could do this more often!"

Applicants must own their home and demonstrate the need for assistance due to age, illness or low-income status. Able-bodied homeowners or family members must also assist with the repairs. Homeowners may submit their own application or be nominated by a family, friend or neighbor. Volunteers are needed now to help A Brush with Kindness families weekly from Tuesday to Saturday. Individuals and groups are encouraged to volunteer by contacting the Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles offices at 310-323-4663 or by emailing [email protected]. Homeowners may apply online at www.habitatla.org or by calling the main number 310-323-4663.

About Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles
HFH GLA (www.habitatla.org) strives to eliminate poverty housing through advocacy, education and partnership with families in need to build simple, decent affordable housing. Since 1990, HFH GLA has built more than 230 homes, transforming the lives of hundreds of individuals.


Media Contacts:
Jo-An Turman
Marketing & Communications Director
T: 310-323-4663 x 121
[email protected]

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

Weekday Volunteers Needed for A Brush With Kindness Tuesday through Saturday. Please contact Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles to volunteer:
310-323-4663
[email protected]

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