Centex Builds Austin Habitat for Humanity Homes

12/13/2006 – Centex Homes completed two homes for Austin Habitat for Humanity on November 18, 2006. A dedication was held on that date celebrating the Benitez and Villalobos families moving into their new homes at 1200 and 1208 Frontier Valley Drive in southeast Austin. These homes are part of Centex's national commitment, which began in February 2001, to build 100 homes over a five-year span. Habitat for Humanity calculates that this is the equivalent of a $5 million pledge, making Centex Homes one of a select number of "Cornerstone Contributors".

Centex Homes' commitment includes cash contributions, building materials, construction management support and skilled labor from many of Centex Homes' 4,400 employees in approximately 80 markets.

Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI) is a non-profit, ecumenical Christian organization seeking to eliminate poverty housing world-wide by building simple, decent houses with low-income families. HFHI has built more than 120,000 houses around the world in partnership with families who contribute sweat equity and purchase their homes with zero-interest, no profit mortgages.

"We are deeply appreciative and truly blessed to have long-term support and dedication from Centex Homes. With help from lasting and supportive partners such as Centex Homes, Habitat for Humanity continues to make significant strides in helping low-income families secure the decent shelter they need and deserve. We can't thank Centex Homes enough," says Millard Fuller, president and founder of Habitat for Humanity International.

Locally, Austin Habitat's mission is about creating partnerships with the community to address Austin's affordable housing crisis. Low-income families, churches, civic groups, corporations and community foundations all come together to build simple, decent and affordable housing for people in need. These partnerships are an investment in the working backbone of Austin's economy who are offered the opportunity of homeownership.

Austin Habitat for Humanity is able to keep construction costs low by utilizing some 4,000 generous volunteers each year, both skilled and unskilled, to build houses and avoid costly labor expenses. Among other contributors, Austin Habitat depends upon home sponsors, such as Centex Homes to accomplish their mission.