[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 37 (Friday, March 7, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E403]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E403]]
         TRIBUTE TO JOHN PERNA AND SAGINAW HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DALE E. KILDEE

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 6, 2003

  Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the outgoing 
director of Saginaw Habitat for Humanity, John Perna. Mr. Perna is 
leaving his position as director of the organization after six years in 
that post. He will be honored at a dinner on March 8th in Saginaw, 
Michigan.
  John Perna's background as a student of theology at the University of 
Notre Dame and his work in church music ministry helped him to expand 
the Saginaw Habitat for Humanity. He started working for Saginaw 
Habitat for Humanity in 1996. At that time he was the only paid staff 
person. Four houses were built that year by the organization. Today, 
the staff includes seven full time employees, one part time employee 
and three Americorps members. The group anticipates completing sixteen 
houses in the Saginaw community this year including the Blitz 2003 when 
eight houses will be built in two weeks.
  Saginaw Habitat for Humanity holds the principles of being an 
ecumenical, Christian housing ministry foremost in all its 
endeavors. Committed to eliminating substandard shelter and 
homelessness from the area, Saginaw Habitat for Humanity has partnered 
with several area churches and organizations to make affordable, 
respectable housing available to all. Reflecting on the teachings of 
Jesus Christ, the members, volunteers and staff of Saginaw Habitat for 
Humanity have put their faith into action. A cornerstone of this action 
is the ``economics of Jesus,'' or volunteers responding to those in 
need. Together the homeowners, the construction volunteers, partner 
organizations like the Home Builders Association, the Michigan Prison 
Build Program, the Michigan National Guard and area High School 
building trades students contributed the sweat equity that made the 
dream of a new home a reality for several families.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in 
congratulating John Perna and Saginaw Habitat for Humanity for the work 
they have accomplished thus far. I wish Mr. Perna the best as he starts 
a new phase of his life, and I wish the best for the incoming director, 
Paul Warriner, along with the entire Saginaw Habitat for Humanity 
organization. May they continue in their work until every person has a 
decent place to live.

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