Embassy Suites Los Angeles-Downey Renovates and Recycles in Partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Greater L.A.

    LOS ANGELES, CA, November 03, 2008 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Embassy Suites Los Angeles-Downey is partnering with Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles (http://www.habitatla.org) to donate hundreds of furnishings to its Home Improvement Store in Gardena (http://www.shophabitat.org/). The Embassy Suites, Los Angeles-Downey is currently under renovation and will be donating the existing furnishings as they complete each floor. The project should be completed by December 31st. The Hotel is owned by RLJ Development, LLC based in Bethesda, MD, and managed by Hilton Hotels Corporation, based in Beverly Hills, CA. Donated items include TV's, tables, nightstands, artwork, mini-fridges, headboards, chairs and more. The Home Improvement Store sells new and used items at least 50% off retail and all proceeds help fund the building of affordable homes in the community.

"This generous donation will not only help us build more affordable housing for local families, it will ease the hardship of families struggling during this economy and divert tons of reusable materials from our local landfills," says Erin Rank, President and CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Greater L.A. "It's also another way to change lives in the community."

The Embassy Suites, Los Angeles-Downey's three-month, eight million dollar renovation will be done in phases with existing furnishings arriving at the Home Improvement Store throughout the process. Items donated include existing furnishings from its 219 suites, restaurant and lounge. The majority of donations will be given to the Habitat for Humanity Home Improvement Store in Gardena, with select items donated to the Habitat for Humanity Re-Store in Orange County.

"Our renovation is exciting to us not only because of the upgrades we are making, but also the opportunity it presented for us to partner with Habitat for Humanity. Their Home Improvement Store is a great way to recycle furnishings that still have a long life and we get to help build more homes in the process," commented Stig Hedlund, General Manager of the Embassy Suites, Los Angeles-Downey.

The Home Improvement Store in Gardena opened in 2004 as a self-sustaining funding source to Habitat for Humanity of Greater L.A. and as a measure towards reducing waste in local landfills therefore protecting the environment. The store's inventory is always changing and they welcome large or small-scale donations of new surplus home furnishings, used home furnishings, and building materials. Many of the items are rare and typically unavailable to the casual shopper and all are offered at prices well below market value. Store hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 9 am - 6 pm.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF GREATER LOS ANGELES 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. For more information, visit www.habitatla.org.

About Embassy Suites Hotels
Founded in 1984, Embassy Suites Hotels defines the upscale, all-suite segment and has nearly 200 hotels open, with an additional 50 in the pipeline. With spacious two-room suites, engaging team members and an inviting atrium environment, guests are allowed to put their feet up and feel right at home. Embassy Suites Hotels participates in Hilton HHonors . To learn more, visit www.embassysuites.com. For more information of the Embassy Suites Hotel Los Angeles-Downey, visit www.losangelesdowney.embassysuites.com.

Contacts:

Jo-An Turman
Habitat For Humanity
310.323.4663 ext.121
[email protected]

Tatiana Paton
Embassy Suites, Los Angeles-Downey
(562) 861-1900 ext. 1520
[email protected]

Angela Moore
Starfish P.R.
310.429.8868
[email protected]

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