St. Thomas, USVI - September 1, 2006 - The United Way of St. Thomas-St. John is delighted to announce that Habitat for Humanity of the U.S. Virgin Islands (HFHVI) will become its 13th human services agency. In 2007, United Way will begin allocating a portion of its donations to HFHVI in support of the Habitat mission to build and restore homes as well as provide avenues that make home ownership possible for low-income families. “Habitat for Humanity is the perfect complement to our comprehensive family of member agencies that play a vital role in strengthening our community,” said United Way’s Executive Director, Thyra Hammond.

Affordable housing is one of the most pressing issues facing the V.I. today. While the cost of living in the V.I. ranks among the highest in the United States, the average household income is among the lowest. About 22% of all V.I. families of four are living below the poverty level. For families experiencing these economic circumstances, there is little hope of ever attaining a financial position adequate to qualify for home ownership. HFHVI wants to begin to change this trend by providing more affordable homes and offering educational programs that assist low-income families in their pursuit of home ownership and financial security.

Increasing the availability of affordable housing is just one of the ways in which the community benefits from HFHVI. “Building a Habitat home brings volunteers together from all economic backgrounds and walks of life. This interaction increases cultural awareness, helps to break down barriers and fosters a shared sense of belongingness,” said Tom Bolt, President of HFHVI.

HFHVI is making excellent progress towards funding and building the first Habitat Home in the Virgin Islands. A home site on St. Thomas has been acquired, and HFHVI is currently working to select its first partner family. HFHVI held two “Family Selection” public meetings that were attended by130 people and resulted in 51 applications. After a series of interviews, three finalist families are under consideration. After the partner family is selected, a groundbreaking for the first Habitat Home will take place this fall. HFHVI hopes to complete construction by June 30, 2007, and identify four additional home sites by year-end 2007.

Habitat’s efforts to provide affordable home ownership to more Virgin Islanders directly tie-in with United Way’s goals of providing leadership, stimulating generosity, promoting volunteerism and allocating resources to make our community a better place to live. In 2006, United Way of St. Thomas-St. John raised over $750,000 in donations that were allocated to its member agencies based on need. United Way of St. Thomas-St. John is currently putting aggressive campaign plans in place in order to grow its donated funding to $800,000 in 2007. More funds are needed to support the membership of Habitat for Humanity as well as provide adequate support to the twelve incumbent agencies.

United Way of St. Thomas-St. John’s 2007 fundraising campaign will officially begin on October 1, 2006. The 2007 campaign will build on the momentum that began in 2005 with the theme: Your Islands, Your Home, Your United Way. All funds raised here stay here to directly serve the St. Thomas and St. John communities.