Homes-for-Poor Group Starts Up

Orange County is becoming the home for a new affiliate project of Habitat for Humanity, an international, ecumenical, nonprofit Christian housing ministry headquartered in Americus, Ga.

With an increasing number of homeless people in the country, the ministry’s goal is to eliminate substandard housing and to make decent shelter a matter of conscience. Since its inception more than 10 years ago, Habitat for Humanity has expanded to more than 200 affiliates in the United States and Canada and to more than 40 projects in developing countries

The organization is regarded as a grass-roots endeavor which uses as much volunteer labor and donated materials as possible. The houses are sold to a needy family at no profit and no interest. The family repays the cost of the house over a fixed period of time, with the payments being recycled to build more houses for others in need. As part of the agreement, homeowners are required to take part in the construction of their home and to assist future homeowners build their homes

Habitat for Humanity invites individuals, churches, corporations, foundations and other organizations to take part in an action that directly and effectively deals with the elimination of the cycle of poverty. A steering committee has been meeting to discuss plans and to nominate a board of directors for the Orange County project. For information or to volunteer, call (714) 497-5795 or (714) 538-5969. Tax-deductible contributions can be sent to the regional headquarters , Habitat West, 890 Morse Ave., Sacramento, Calif. 95864.