FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Monday, September 30, 2002

Peace Corps and Habitat for Humanity Create Worldwide Partnership

WASHINGTON, D.C., September 30, 2002-Today the Peace Corps and Habitat for Humanity International joined forces by signing an agreement that partners Peace Corps volunteers with Habitat for Humanity International projects located in selected regions where both organizations are currently working. Peace Corps Director Gaddi H. Vasquez and Habitat for Humanity Vice President and Managing Director of the Washington office Thomas L. Jones signed the formal agreement and worked with staff from both offices at a Habitat project located in the Capitol Heights neighborhood of Washington, D.C.

	Peace Corps staff work with Michelle Keys on her Habitat for Humanity home.

Habitat for Humanity International and Peace Corps are in the forefront of assisting the developing world. Habitat brings families and communities in need together with volunteers to build quality, affordable housing. Houses are sold with no profit made. Homeowners contribute “sweat equity” and house payments are recycled to build additional homes.

Peace Corps volunteers and Habitat for Humanity volunteers will work jointly in the construction of houses throughout the developing world. Peace Corps will be a tremendous asset to these projects since Peace Corps volunteers are a living and working part of the community where homes will be built. Peace Corps volunteers integrate themselves into the local communities and form a unique bond with those they serve. In turn, Habitat for Humanity International will provide its expertise in construction and financial development to the housing projects.

“Habitat for Humanity International’s history of grassroots development fits well with the mission of the Peace Corps. Our collaborative efforts will allow us to reach beyond our current boundaries, enhancing and increasing the work we have in common around the globe,” said Director Vasquez.

Habitat for Humanity International is a nonprofit organization. Since 1976, Habitat has built more than 125,000 houses in more than 80 countries, including some 45,000 houses across the United States. For more information, see www.habitat.org.

Since 1961, more than 165,000 volunteers have served in the Peace Corps, working in such diverse fields as education, health and HIV/AIDS, information technology, business development, the environment, and agriculture. Peace Corps volunteers must be U.S. citizens and at least 18 years of age. Peace Corps service is a two-year commitment.

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