Still putting up walls

HAYDEN - Habitat for Humanity reached a national milestone, and the North Idaho branch was a part of the effort.

The nonprofit that puts families into homes surpassed the 400,000 house mark during its most recent fiscal year. Since it was founded in 1976, its self-help, hand-up model has resulted in rehabbed, repaired or new housing for more than 2 million people worldwide.

Since 1989, Habitat for Humanity of North Idaho has built 32 homes and is working on homes No. 33 and 34, with plans to complete them in spring 2011.

"Habitat for Humanity of North Idaho is continuing its efforts to help families in need of decent, affordable housing. We are happy to have helped Habitat for Humanity reach this important milestone in bettering communities across the country," said Marci Schreiber, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of North Idaho. "With continued support of our sponsors and volunteers, we'll address affordable housing needs in Kootenai County through new home construction as well as our upcoming exterior home repair program called A Brush With Kindness."

In fiscal year 2010, Habitat for Humanity served a record 74,960 families worldwide through a combination of new construction, rehabilitation and repairs. Habitat also helped an additional 6,355 families establish legal rights to a house or land, and provided more than 46,964 individuals with technical assistance ranging from legal help to construction advice or training.

"We are pleased that even in this difficult economy, Habitat for Humanity has been able to help a record number of families around the world have a better place to live," said Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International. "Our affiliates are the backbone of Habitat's efforts. Their hard work and dedication have made this milestone possible. We are grateful for the work of Habitat for Humanity of North Idaho."