(December 6, 2008)– The alliance between Habitat for Humanity and Thrivent Financial for Lutherans continues to build hope for low-income families despite nationwide economic problems. While Thrivent is already one of Habitat for Humanity’s largest supporters, they have committed another $24 million in 2009 to build 314 homes in 37 states. Of these 34 homes will be built in Wisconsin.

As part of this effort, Adams-Juneau County Habitat for Humanity has been awarded more than $119,000, or 65 percent of the funds necessary to build two homes in 2009, one in Adams County and one in Juneau County. The remaining 35% or approximately $50,000 will be raised locally. These homes will be built by local area volunteers, of whom at least one-half will be Lutheran and one-fourth will be Thrivent Financial members. The Habitat partner families will each invest 500 hours of “sweat equity” helping to build their homes. Construction will begin in spring of 2009 and the homes will be completed during the coming year.

“Winning this grant award is critical toward our goal of building safe and decent houses for deserving Adams and Juneau County families” said Jim Abbs, President of Adams-Juneau County Habitat “ Getting these funds was competitive, and while Adams and Juneau Counties do not have large populations, we have too many families who live in substandard housing.” Of course we will be working very hard to raise the remaining monies necessary to build these homes in 2009,” said Abbs., “We will be looking for help from citizens and businesses in both counties.”

Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity brings together two national nonprofit networks of more than 1,600 Habitat affiliates and 1,362 Thrivent volunteer chapters. The need for an effort of this magnitude is great: According to Harvard University’s Joint Center for Housing in 2007, nearly half of low-income U.S. households—more than 13 million families—pay more than 50 percent of their income on housing and many live in live in overcrowded conditions or with severe physical deficiencies, such as having no hot water, electricity or toilet.

“We are very pleased to be part of this effort, both locally and nationally” said John Van Meter, Thrivent Financial Consultant for Juneau County. As noted by Tim Meyer, Thrivent Financial Consultant for Adams County, “While our members are committed to helping build these homes, we are always looking for more volunteers. We hope others will consider joining us and experience the joy of helping another family realize the American Dream.”

Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity supports Habitat home-building in the United States and abroad through its Thrivent Builds Homes and Thrivent Builds Worldwide programs. To learn more, visit www.thriventbuilds.com.

About Adams-Juneau County Habitat for Humanity
Adams-Juneau County Habitat is a nonprofit Christian housing ministry dedicated to building decent, affordable housing in partnership with deserving local working families who need decent housing. Since 2002, Adams-Juneau County Habitat has worked with 6 different families to build homes. Habitat for Humanity has just recently expanded into Juneau County and will be seeking volunteers for this first-time Juneau County house. If you have questions, you can contact our local board via e-mail (habitatadams@gmail.com) call the local office at (608) 339-4430 or Jim Abbs at (608) 238-5214

About the Adams and Juneau County Chapters of Thrivent Financial
The Southwest Regional Thrivent Office has a number of financial representatives and about 77,000 members in the area served. Together with its members, in 2006 alone, Thrivent Financial’s Southwestern Wisconsin Regional Office provided $4.6 million in its charitable efforts.

About Habitat for Humanity International
Habitat for Humanity International is an ecumenical Christian ministry that welcomes to its work all people dedicated to the cause of eliminating poverty housing. Since its founding in 1976, Habitat has built more than 250,000 houses worldwide, providing simple, decent and affordable shelter for more than 1 million people. For more information, visit www.habitat.org.

About Thrivent Financial for Lutherans
Thrivent Financial for Lutherans is a not-for-profit membership organization helping nearly 3 million members achieve their financial goals and give back to their communities. As a not-for-profit fraternal benefit society, Thrivent Financial sponsors national outreach programs and activities that support congregations, schools, charitable organizations and individuals in need. Thrivent Financial has main offices in Minneapolis, Minn., and Appleton, Wis. For more information, visit www.thrivent.com.