In recognition of World Habitat Day 2012, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga Area is planning a construction build day to address the need for decent housing around the world, including in Chattanooga.
Volunteers will begin working on the home located at 3410 3rd Ave. in East Chattanooga at 8 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 29.
“World Habitat Day brings attention to the need of better shelter around the world and in our own backyards," said Dawn Hjelseth, director of volunteers. "Affordable and adequate shelter should be priority in our communities. Unfortunately, we see too often families living in substandard conditions."
Habitat for Humanity’s theme for World Habitat Day 2012, “Many Homes, One Community,” highlights the role that decent, affordable housing plays in community stabilization and development. The focus is on the importance of homeownership in a neighborhood’s progress.
Beginning on Monday, Oct. 1, and continuing throughout October and November, Habitat for Humanity and affiliated organizations will host hundreds of local events — from builds and flash mobs to parades, contests, housing forums and everything in between — to draw attention to the need for safe, decent, affordable shelter for all. Habitat for Humanity International will also launch its annual Shelter Report, which will focus on the role of the home in a neighborhood’s progression. The two-month observance of the need for safe, decent and affordable shelter and the pivotal role of housing in community development will culminate with Habitat’s flagship annual event, the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project. The 29th annual Carter Work Project returns to Haiti as part of its two-year effort to strengthen and support Habitat’s work there.
The United Nations established World Habitat Day in 1985 to spotlight the need for adequate shelter worldwide. On the first Monday in October each year, Habitat for Humanity affiliates and national organizations raise their collective voice, taking action to change the systems, policies and attitudes that lead to poverty housing, and engaging partners in solutions.