Emmy Award winner Steve Thomas to work alongside professional builders in support of Habitat for Humanity
ATLANTA (May 12, 2014) — Steve Thomas, the Emmy Award-winning former host of “This Old House” and “Renovation Nation,” will join professional homebuilders and construction experts as they build or rehabilitate more than 250 homes during Habitat for Humanity’s Home Builders Blitz, June 9-13.
“Habitat’s Home Builders Blitz provides professional builders and their subcontractors an excellent opportunity to use their talents to help tackle the great need for more access to affordable housing,” said Thomas, who joined Habitat for Humanity in 2011 to help raise awareness about the housing organization’s mission. “We are incredibly grateful to everyone whose support and volunteerism has made this upcoming Home Builders Blitz possible.”
Thomas will work alongside professional builders in Jacksonville, Fla.; Lafayette, Ind.; Chattanooga, Tenn.; Raleigh and Durham, N.C.; and Portland, Ore., to help raise awareness of the affordable housing needs in their communities.
Habitat’s Home Builders Blitz is a partnership between Habitat and the building community to build and renovate homes across the United States. Builders and Habitat affiliates work closely to organize all aspects of building, including securing subcontractors and suppliers, fundraising and seeking donations of materials. During this year’s event, 83 Habitat for Humanity affiliates will take part in the nationwide building effort.
“For many years now, Steve has been a vocal proponent and hands-on supporter of Habitat’s work, and his expertise within the building community makes him a natural advocate for the Home Builders Blitz program,” said Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International. “We are delighted that he is joining this year’s effort and continues to call attention to affordable housing needs throughout the U.S.”
Over the course of his career, Thomas has been recognized as the “ultimate home enthusiast” and an “expert-on-demand” on the home renovation process. A much-in-demand speaker as well as a home renovator, Thomas advocates for greener building and renovation techniques.
Thomas first worked with Habitat for Humanity during a 1990 trip to Charlotte to cover the launching of a new Habitat affiliate. He subsequently showcased the 1993 Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project in Winnipeg, Canada, and thereafter continued to integrate coverage of Habitat’s activities into his professional projects. Since officially partnering with Habitat in 2011, Steve has participated in several events, including the Home Builder’s Blitz, the AmeriCorps’ Build-a-Thon and the World Habitat Day Design Challenge.
Habitat for Humanity would like to thank the building professionals and the following sponsors for their help in making this year’s Home Builders Blitz possible: BigRentz.com, Bsafe, Columbia Forest Products, Delta Faucet, Dow, GAF, Gildan, Tom Gipson, Hunter Douglas, Irwin Tools, KraftMaid, Larson Manufacturing, Lowe’s, MaxLite, Masco Corporation, Panasonic Ventilation, Royal Building Products, Schneider Electric, Valspar, Whirlpool Home Appliances and Yale Lock & Hardware.
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.