Habitat Update from Habitat for Humanity International 30MAI14

USUALLY +Habitat for Humanity's monthly e mail newsletter has information about the seemingly overwhelming need for adequate, affordable housing in the U.S. and around the world and how they are trying to meet this need for as many people as possible. Generally the stories and articles are inspiring, upbeat and uplifting, and this month's is no different but there is one article I hope you will read and act on, Use your voice to save national service article below, and please sign the letter that will be sent to your representative and senators. Adequate funding for AmeriCorps and  AmeriCorps VISTA is critical for the work Habitat does in the U.S.

Test drive for Habitat Nissan will donate $50 to Habitat for every qualified test drive through July 7. Learn how you can help us gain up to $100,000 through this campaign.
Use your voice to save national service Habitat for Humanity could lose the help of hundreds of AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps VISTA members if Congress cuts funding for the Corporation for National and Community Service, as some in Congress threaten. Please add your voice now to ensure that Habitat AmeriCorps members can continue serving families and communities across the U.S. AmeriCorps Build-a-Thon 2014 Habitat AmeriCorps members, alums and community volunteers have just completed a week of blitz builds in Iowa, North Carolina and Wisconsin. Looking for a full-time service opportunity? Read our 10 reasons to join Habitat AmeriCorps. Home is where the start is Decent, affordable housing has a transformative effect on a family’s life, improving everything from health outcomes to children’s educational achievement. See how you’ve helped rebuild after Typhoon Haiyan Twenty-two-year-old Jovelyn was seven months pregnant when the typhoon collapsed her home in the Philippines six months ago. She was devastated and terrified, but Habitat Philippines provided her family with a shelter repair kit. “We repaired our house using the donated materials,” she said, “and it’s now bigger and better.” Connecting residents to economic opportunity Strong community partnerships are enabling Habitat and others to revitalize entire neighborhoods, Habitat CEO Jonathan Reckford explains. A future without limits “I come home, and I see the kids happy,” says Habitat Toronto homeowner Mensur Mohammed. “Since we got this house, everything is changed.”
100 The number of houses our Everest Build 2014 aims to build in a week.