Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Will Build 322 Habitat for Humanity Houses in '08, Increases Commitment by $20 Million

Business Wire, Dec 3, 2007

The largest four-year commitment in Habitat's history increases to $125 million for national affordable-housing effort--more than 650 homes completed so far

ATLANTA -- With the addition of $20 million, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans is expanding its four-year commitment to $125 million to help build additional Habitat for Humanity houses nationwide. Called Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity (www.thriventbuilds.com), the alliance between the two nonprofit organizations will build 322 houses in 42 states in 2008. An additional 200 Thrivent Financial volunteer teams will travel to help build homes along the Gulf Coast and overseas next year.

"Having made the largest four-year commitment in Habitat's history, Thrivent Financial has created an incredible model for corporate involvement," said Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International. "It has helped us increase the number of U.S. Habitat homes built by nearly 6 percent and added a new dimension for those interested in building homes abroad. It is difficult to express how grateful we are for Thrivent Financial's incomparable financial support and volunteer efforts of thousands of its members."

Thrivent Financial for Lutherans made the largest four-year financial commitment in Habitat for Humanity's history with the $105 million original pledge in 2005. This was increased in response to the significant interest and involvement by thousands of Thrivent Financial members.

"The plan from the beginning was to add an additional $20 million if the alliance between our nonprofit organizations proved successful," says Brad Hewitt, senior vice president of Fraternal Operations at Thrivent Financial. "Given the high member interest and our results to date, we're ready to make that additional commitment."

In 2006 and 2007, the first two years of the alliance, more than 650 families in 46 states and Washington, D.C., achieved the dream of home ownership through Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity. On top of that, more than 130 teams traveled to U.S. locations and abroad to help build hundreds of additional Habitat homes.

"It makes a difference to Thrivent and to our members that we can help more families with this large step toward economic self-sufficiency," said Bruce J. Nicholson, chairman, president and CEO of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. "Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity has provided a way for us to positively affect so many people's lives --both now and in the future. Our members have supported our involvement by volunteering by the thousands. We are all proud of this alliance and the positive impact we can make together in the coming years."

The programs of the Thrivent Builds with Habitat alliance are Thrivent Builds Homes and Thrivent Builds Worldwide. Also a product of the alliance, the Thrivent Builds Mobile is a "multimedia exhibit on wheels" that tours the United States advocating for affordable housing and informing visitors about the Thrivent Builds alliance and how they can become involved.

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.