National Council of Churches USA, NY
June 17 2005

Habitat for Humanity launches 2005 Jimmy Carter
work project, and NCC rolls up its sleeves

New York, June 16, 2005 – National Council of Churches USA General
Secretary Bob Edgar will join former President Jimmy Carter and
volunteers from 50 churches June 19-24 to build 40 homes during
Habitat for Humanity’s 2005 Jimmy Carter Work Project in Michigan.

“President Carter is demonstrating once again that our obligation to
those who are struggling in our economy is more than lip service and
good intentions,” Edgar said. “The thousands of volunteers who will
be rolling up their sleeves and grabbing hammers are witnesses to the
fact that we all have a duty to work together. Those who have homes
must never turn their backs on those who can’t afford them.” Edgar is
shown at left meeting with the Carters at an earlier work project.

A special addition to this year’s work project will be the presence
of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All
Armenians. Karekin will preside over an announcement of the Armenian
Church’s partnership with Habitat for Humanity to build in Armenia,
the United States and other countries.

During the annual event, thousands of volunteers will join Mr. Carter
and his wife, Rosalynn, to make the dream of homeownership come true
with families in need. Volunteers will complete more than 230 homes
throughout Michigan and in Windsor, Canada. The Carters will build
in host cities Benton Harbor and Detroit.

Leading up to the project, denominational leaders Bishop Gary Hansen
of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and Bishop Bob Gepert
of the Episcopal Church led a campaign to get denominations engaged
by providing seed money and matching grants to encourage involvement
from local congregations.

Diverse church groups represented include Presbyterians, United
Church of Christ, Disciples of Christ, Baptists and many
non-denominational churches including Willow Creek Community Church
near Chicago, which is sending more than 200 volunteers and
sponsoring two homes.

Representatives from Michigan Faith Leaders Council will show their
support by building along with church members from various
denominations and nondenominational churches.

–end–

Contact: NCC News, Philip E. Jenks, 212-870-2252,
pjenks@ncccusa.org; Leslie Tune, 202-544-2350, ltune@ncccusa.org

Contact Habitat for Humanity, Duane Bates, 229-938-1917,
dbates@habitat.org; Jennifer Lindsey, 202-270-2030,
jlindsey@habitat.org