HABITAT ORLANDO BREAKS GROUND ON STAGHORN VILLAS

October 29, 2008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

HABITAT ORLANDO BREAKS GROUND ON STAGHORN VILLAS
OUC, SIEMENS FORMS PARTNERSHIP TO PROVIDE ENERGY-EFFICIENT FEATURES

Orlando, Fla. – Habitat Orlando recently broke ground on its biggest homebuilding effort to date: Staghorn Villas, an $8 million townhome community that will provide affordable housing for 58 local families. Representatives from the Orlando Utilities Commission (OUC) announced that they are donating $60,000 in energy-efficient features for the community. In addition, Siemens has currently pledged $30,000.

More than 150 Central Florida business leaders, sponsors, volunteers and guests gathered at the 3.9-acre homebuilding site, located at Silver Star Road and LeHavre Boulevard in Orlando. The development is slated for completion in spring 2011.

City of Orlando Commissioner Daisy W. Lynum participated in the ceremony and noted that Staghorn Villas reflects the strength and support of the Orlando community.

“These townhomes – and the building partners who have stepped up to make them a reality – set a remarkable example for the rest of Orlando,” said Lynum. “Staghorn Villas is not only bringing our community together, but it is also strengthening the lives of 58 individual families – creating a new place in which they can live, work and play.”

Over the next three years, donations from both OUC and Siemens will help Habitat Orlando purchase standard “green” features, making the entire Staghorn Villas community more energy-efficient. Additionally, OUC will provide more than 870 compact florescent light bulbs and upgrade all lighting systems throughout the community.

“OUC employees have always supported Habitat Orlando, volunteering their time and energy to help build Habitat homes,” said OUC Commissioner Dan Kirby. ”For us, Staghorn Villas is an opportunity to give back to the community while also upholding our commitment to helping customers conserve energy and water – and ultimately save on their utility bills.”

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STAGHORN VILLAS – ADD ONE

Randy Scheff, vice president of Human Resources of Siemens Energy, Inc., added: “Siemens is excited to be breaking ground again with our partners to make the dream of affordable, energy-efficient home ownership come true for so many local families. We are proud of our co-sponsorship with OUC and look forward to continuing this collaboration.”

“Thanks to these innovative contributions from OUC and Siemens, the townhomes at Staghorn Villas will be some of the most energy-efficient homes that we have ever built,” said Dee Danmeyer, executive director of Habitat Orlando. “We are appreciative of all our donors and partners who are helping to ensure that Orlando families have a comfortable place to call home.”

Other companies that have signed on as building sponsors include Hannover Life Reassurance Company of America, HD Supply, CHEP and Lowe’s.
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About Habitat for Humanity Orlando:

Habitat for Humanity Orlando is a not-for-profit, ecumenical, Christian organization dedicated to transforming the lives of low-income, hard working families through the American dream of home ownership. Rated a four-star charity by Charity Navigator, Habitat Orlando works together with local sponsors, donors and volunteers to build communities and strengthen families throughout Central Florida.

To learn more about Habitat Orlando or to make a donation,
call (407) 648-4567 or visit www.habitat-orlando.org.