Habitat for Humanity, Lowe’s launch ‘Hammers for Habitat’ to mobilize 100,000 new volunteers in 2014

Help Habitat reach goal of serving 1 million people annually by volunteering locally

ATLANTA (March 6, 2014) – Lowe’s is teaming up with Habitat for Humanity International to launch “Hammers for Habitat,” a nationwide volunteer drive to mobilize 100,000 new volunteers to raise a hammer for Habitat this year. In celebration of their renewed partnership through 2018, Lowe’s and Habitat are asking men and women across America to give one day to help make the dream of homeownership a reality for a family in their community. Individuals interested in volunteering can find more information at Habitat.org/Lowes.

While Habitat for Humanity works year-round, the pace of activity across the United States picks up in spring – and so does the need for volunteers.

“Volunteers are the lifeblood of Habitat for Humanity’s efforts around the world, and their participation is critical to our goal of serving 1 million people annually by 2018,” said Mark Andrews, vice president of volunteer and institutional engagement for Habitat for Humanity International. “With the support of Lowe’s and dedicated Lowe’s Heroes employee volunteers, Hammers for Habitat will help us reach more families and more communities than ever.”

Lowe’s renewed its partnership last month with a five-year commitment that will bring its total contributions to more than 63 million since 2003. Lowe’s also pledged the continued support of Lowe’s Heroes to help Habitat scale up the number of people it serves each year. But both organizations recognize the critical need to get more hands on hammers. In the United States, more than 48 million people are living in poverty.

“At Lowe’s, we know that improving communities is not a do-it-yourself project,” said Joan Higginbotham, Lowe’s director of community relations. “The work is too big for any one organization, any one partner. We thank all those who’ve supported Habitat in the past and encourage anyone who hasn’t to join us. You can make a tremendous difference.”

Habitat for Humanity and Lowe’s will offer on-site volunteer registration at events throughout the year. Along with opportunities to volunteer locally, Habitat for Humanity has programs to get youth, women, college students and military veterans involved. Habitat also has short-term volunteer trips to help build affordable housing in the United States and abroad. Previous construction experience is not necessary to volunteer.

Key 2014 event dates

• May 5-11: National Women Build Week. This annual event challenges women across the United States to support Habitat during the week of Mother’s Day.
• Sept. 15 - Oct. 15: National Hispanic Heritage Month. This local event brings together Lowe’s Heroes and community volunteers to celebrate Hispanic heritage while building and repairing homes in partnership with low-income families.
• Oct. 5-11: Habitat for Humanity’s Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project. President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, give a week of their time to help Habitat for Humanity improve and build homes in the U.S. and in countries around the world. In 2014, the Carters will focus their efforts on Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas, as Dallas Area Habitat for Humanity and Trinity Habitat for Humanity co-host Habitat’s 31st annual Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project.
• Year-round: Community impact grants. Lowe’s Heroes join Habitat affiliates across the country to partner with local residents, housing leaders, community groups and businesses to transform entire neighborhoods.

About Habitat for Humanity International
Habitat for Humanity International’s vision is a world where everyone has a decent place to live. Anchored by the conviction that housing provides a critical foundation for breaking the cycle of poverty, Habitat has helped more than 4 million people construct, rehabilitate or preserve homes since 1976. Habitat also advocates to improve access to decent and affordable shelter and supports a variety of funding models that enable families with limited resources to make needed improvements on their homes as their time and resources allow. As a nonprofit Christian housing organization, Habitat works in more than 70 countries and welcomes people of all races, religions and nationalities to partner in its mission. To learn more, donate or volunteer visit habitat.org.

About Lowe’s
Lowe’s supports the communities it serves through programs that focus on K-12 public education and community improvement projects. The company’s signature education grant program, Lowe’s Toolbox for Education, has donated more than 38 million to 8,000 K-12 public schools, benefiting more than 5 million schoolchildren. Lowe’s Heroes employee volunteers support local community projects and our national nonprofit partners such as Habitat for Humanity, Rebuilding Together and the American Red Cross. Since 2007, Lowe’s and the Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation together have contributed nearly 200 million to improve communities in the United States, Canada and Mexico. To learn more, visit Lowes.com/SocialResponsibility and LowesInTheCommunity.tumblr.com.