[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 178 (Thursday, December 20, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2369]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        TRIBUTE TO HABITAT FOR HUMANITY IN SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. ROY BLUNT

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 19, 2001

  Mr. BLUNT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a group in 
Southwest Missouri that intends to turn a careless act of pollution 
into hope for families. Part of the American dream is buying a home for 
your family. Home ownership in America is at record levels. Two of 
three families owns or is buying their primary residence. But for many 
families that dream is beyond reach.
  Working with Habitat for Humanity, the House of Representatives has 
supported in word and deed a commitment to home ownership for low-
income families. Members of this body have assisted in raising funds 
and working on homes that are ``dreams come true'' for many 
disadvantaged families. In Southwest Missouri I have assisted in 
putting up the walls on four homes in what has become an annual event 
that my staff and I look forward to. Habitat for Humanity is a charity 
that has been instrumental in helping thousands of families find 
permanent and affordable shelter. Home ownership contributes to 
building strong families. It inspires a family's desire to improve and 
protect it's personal stake in the community as well as promotes civic 
participation and involvement.
  More importantly today, I am pleased to announce that Habitat for 
Humanity of Springfield, Missouri has received a grant from the 
Corporation for National Community Service specifically to fund a 
service event on the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday this coming year. 
The $7,500 grant will be used to fund the organization's kick-off of 
their new program ``Aluminum Cans Build Habitat Houses.'' On Martin 
Luther King Jr. Day 2002, hundreds of youth will be working throughout 
my district picking up and recycling aluminum cans. The money raised 
from collecting the cans will be used to build Habitat houses and also 
to provide a scholarship for a high school student in our district.
  I commend my local chapter for its continued involvement in Southwest 
Missouri and its proactive efforts to engage young people in public 
service. Those of us who have been privileged enough to help on Habitat 
projects have seen the unity that this organization can bring to our 
communities. Few things are more inspiring than witnessing people from 
vastly different backgrounds and ethnic heritages working together to 
help a family achieve their dream.
  It is fitting that this grant, given in honor of Martin Luther King 
Jr., be used for a project that unifies. I can think of no better way 
to honor the legacy of a man who sought to sweep away the barriers that 
kept all Americans from pursuing the American dream.

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