SENATOR MEL MARTINEZ VISITS HABITAT FOR HUMANITY ORLANDO

July 21, 2008

FOR APPROVAL ONLY

SENATOR MEL MARTINEZ HIGHLIGHTS IMPORTANCE OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING WITH HABITAT FOR HUMANITY ORLANDO

Orlando, Fla. – U.S. Senator Mel Martinez recently visited Habitat for Humanity Orlando to discuss the housing crisis and recognize the non-profit’s continued efforts to provide low-income families with affordable homes. The Senator is a long-time supporter of Habitat for Humanity and has taken an active role in the housing reform process to help families in Florida and across the nation on the brink of foreclosure.

Speaking to a crowd of more than 50 Habitat Orlando staff, supporters, volunteers and homeowners, Senator Martinez said that although Congress has taken a number of steps to help alleviate the current housing crisis, “other practices must be proactively put in place to help prevent another crisis down the road.”

“Florida is suffering a great deal from this housing slump, but Habitat Orlando remains a pillar of strength for affordable homeownership,” the Senator said. “When volunteers roll up their sleeves to build Habitat homes, they leave behind a legacy of stronger families and stronger communities in a hands-on approach, one family at a time.”

Earlier this month, the Senate passed a comprehensive effort to curtail the rising number of foreclosures and create opportunities for more affordable housing for Americans, which included the Senator’s provisions to create national licensing and oversight standards for residential mortgage loan originators and strengthen FHA appraisal standards.

Dee Danmeyer, executive director of Habitat for Humanity Orlando, said: “Senator Martinez’s support not only means a great deal to our organization, but to the entire Orlando area. His work in Washington and here at home are a great help to low-income, hard-working families as they pursue the American dream of homeownership.”

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ADD ONE – HABITAT

Following his address, Senator Martinez picked up a hammer and nails, and proceeded to help Habitat Orlando donors build a wall. Joining him were Pete Schafer, CEO of Hannover Life Reassurance Company of America, an international reinsurance company; Michael Lamb, President of CHEP USA, the global leader in pallet and container pooling services; and Arleen Quinones with HD Supply, a leading wholesale distribution company.

The three companies recently agreed to partner with Habitat Orlando as building sponsors for its new multi-family development called Staghorn Villas – a townhome community that will provide affordable homes to 58 local families.
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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 homeownership. Rated a four-star charity by Charity Navigator, Habitat Orlando works together with local sponsors, donors and volunteers to build communities and build 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.