For more than 30 years, Our Towns Habitat for Humanity has provided affordable housing options in the Lake Norman and Statesville area and was recently recognized for its commitment by Habitat for Humanity International and the Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce.

For the second year in a row, Our Towns Habitat has been recognized as an Affiliate of Distinction by Habitat for Humanity International. In 2017, out of nearly 1,400 affiliates nationally, only 24 received this recognition.

The Affiliates of Distinction program honors those Habitat affiliates that meet or exceed best-practice standards and uphold their work as best practices within seven criteria: sustainable and green building; overall organizational leadership; community development; financial sustainability; alignment with Habitat for Humanity’s strategic plan; effective use of technology to better communication with the public; and support for Habitat’s global mission.

In addition, the Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce recently awarded Our Towns the Duke Citizenship and Service Award for the affiliate’s profound impact in North Mecklenburg and Iredell Counties.

The Chamber recognized the organization’s longstanding commitment to proving safe and affordable housing solutions through two programs, new homeownership and critical home repairs to residents in the Lake Norman community.

“Though the majority of our work impacts those in our local communities, our overall mission as a Habitat affiliate to build stronger communities, is global,” said Jeff Porter, executive director of Our Towns Habitat for Humanity. “So, it’s a great honor to be recognized for our work by both Habitat for Humanity International and the Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce.”

Within Our Towns Habitat’s service area, more than 5,000 families currently live in substandard housing. New home construction is part of the solution to get families out of overcrowded and unsafe living conditions. In addition, critical home repairs have helped people in urgent need, uplifting lives and revitalizing neighborhoods.