Habitat for Humanity’s flagship publication opens annual photo contest with chance to help build in Haiti
ATLANTA (April 12, 2012) — Habitat for Humanity’s flagship magazineHabitat World has kicked off its annual photo contest, which each year illustrates the importance of Habitat’s life-changing work around the world and helps raise awareness of the issues that surround poverty housing.
This year’s contest winner will be awarded a spot as a volunteer during the 29th annual Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project, which will return to Haiti in late 2012 to help further rebuilding efforts.
“Habitat’s work — and the need for decent, affordable housing — occurs in so many places around the world, and the photo contest is a wonderful way to tap into what is happening in those communities and share more with the magazine’s readers,” said Shala Carlson, Habitat World’s editor. “Our past winners have all captured something very special about their own Habitat experiences, and we can’t wait to see the caliber of submissions we receive this year.”
Photos and statements from the contest winner and top four finalists will be published in the December 2012 issue of Habitat World, which enjoys a readership of a million, and on habitat.org, which averages more than 450,000 unique visitors a month.
The deadline for contest submissions is July 9 at midnight, Eastern Daylight Time. A team of Habitat World judges will select the winner and finalists. Contest criteria include a photo’s ability to capture Habitat’s mission and impact, as well as its technical composition and quality.
Chris Sebilia, last year’s Habitat World photo contest winner, was awarded a volunteer opportunity in Haiti during Habitat’s 2011 Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project for his photograph, “Concrete Break.”
“I felt incredibly honored that my photo was chosen as a finalist for the Habitat World photo contest,” said Sebilia. “The mission to provide simple affordable housing to deserving families is something everyone can participate in.”
The contest winner must already have a current passport and will be responsible for obtaining requisite immunizations and a travel visa, if necessary. The winner will be expected to work five full days at the work site during the Haiti trip. Contest entrants must be at least 18 years of age (or the age of majority in his or her jurisdiction of primary residence) as of the date of entering the contest.
For details about the contest, go to http://www.habitat.org/hw/photo_contest/2012/.
About Habitat for Humanity International
Habitat for Humanity International is a global nonprofit Christian housing organization that seeks to put God’s love into action by bringing people together to build homes, communities and hope. Since 1976, Habitat has served more than 500,000 families by welcoming people of all races, religions and nationalities to construct, rehabilitate or preserve homes; by advocating for fair and just housing policies; and by providing training and access to resources to help families improve their shelter conditions. For more information, to donate or to volunteer, please visit www.habitat.org, or follow us at www.facebook.com/habitat or at www.twitter.com/habitat_org or join Habitat’s blog community at www.habitat.org/blog.