RALEIGH, N.C., April 15, 2014 – Habitat for Humanity of Wake County, an independent affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, has announced that its second annual “Passport to Habitat: Home Tour & Party,” will take place on Sunday, April 27 at the organization’s Cary ReStore, located at 181 High House Road in Cary, N.C. Proceeds from the event will support Habitat Wake’s efforts to build 32 affordable homes in Wake County this year. During the party, attendees will have the opportunity to tour the ReStore and several local Habitat homes. Tours will begin at 5 p.m., and the party will start at 6 p.m.

Since 1985, Habitat Wake has partnered with more than 60 western Wake families to help them build and purchase safe, affordable housing, including 48 homes in Cary, four in Morrisville and 16 in Apex. Affordable housing is an important issue in our county, with more than 23,000 area families still in need of affordable homes. Partner families earn only 25 to 60 percent of the local median income, with an average of $29,000 per household, which places them out of the range of conventional mortgages.

Qualifying families make a significant commitment to earn a Habitat home, including a zero interest mortgage payment, at least 250 “sweat equity” hours, home ownership and budgeting classes, and a modest down payment to purchase the homes they help build. Homeowners perform "sweat equity" volunteer hours by building homes, including their own, alongside community volunteers or by volunteering in the ReStore and Habitat offices. With this model in place, Habitat Wake’s foreclosure rate is less than three percent after 29 years of building homes. The Cary and Raleigh ReStores sell donated building materials and furniture to help fund these homes and enable Habitat to fulfill their housing mission.

Food and beverages will be available at the “Passport to Habitat: Home Tour & Party,” and local acoustic guitarist Pete Frederick will provide music. Individual tickets are on sale now for $25 each, and Passport Sponsorships, which include two tickets and recognition at the event, are available for $200. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit http://www.habitatwake.org/donate/passport_reservations/.

QUOTES:

“For many families in our community, affordable housing is still an immediate issue. Our mission is to assist these families in becoming homeowners and provide everyone in Wake County with an affordable, safe place to live,” said Kevin Campbell, President and CEO of Habitat Wake. “The ‘Passport to Habitat’ event will give local residents a first-hand look at how our organization is making a difference in the lives of our neighbors in Western Wake and how they can get involved.”

NEW MEDIA CONTENT:

Habitat for Humanity of Wake County on Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/HabitatWake

Habitat for Humanity of Wake County on Twitter:

https://twitter.com/HabitatWake

Habitat for Humanity of Wake County on LinkedIn:

http://www.linkedin.com/company/habitat-for-humanity-wake-county

Habitat for Humanity of Wake County on Google+:

https://plus.google.com/107765662789539615183/about

Habitat for Humanity of Wake County on YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/user/hfhwake

DETAILS:

- The ReStore also provides a free pickup service in western Wake County for pre-approved donations that are too large for personal vehicles.

- More than 8,000 community volunteers, including individuals, corporations, faith communities and civic groups give of their time, funds and energy to build Habitat homes each year.

ABOUT HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF WAKE COUNTY:

Habitat for Humanity of Wake County builds safe, affordable houses for qualified homebuyers regardless of race, religion or background. Each Habitat home is built in partnership with homeowner families, sponsors, and volunteers. Our houses are safe, decent, affordable homes that are sold for no profit to the partner family who repays an affordable mortgage over 20 years. Homeowners attend a series of workshops on financial literacy and home maintenance so they are well prepared to be homeowners. Affordable homeownership makes new opportunities available to these families and their children, including savings, a sense of security, space to grow, and good neighbors. Habitat Wake is an independent affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, a nonprofit, ecumenical housing ministry. For more information, visit http://www.habitatwake.org/.

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