[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 117 (Friday, September 24, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1692]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     HONORING HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF CHESTER COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JIM GERLACH

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 23, 2004

  Mr. GERLACH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Habitat for 
Humanity of Chester County, Pennsylvania's 15th Anniversary. For 
fifteen years, they have provided basic, well-built, affordable housing 
for low-income families and for those in need. Habitat for Humanity has 
made countless contributions to our community and, for that, they 
should be commended.
  Habitat for Humanity is an organization that not only builds homes, 
but it also builds hope for those less fortunate. In turn, it gives 
those people in need a sense of dignity and of independence. This 
program is known for developing partnerships within the community and 
for its involvement in the promotion of Christian values. This great 
organization is led and sustained by volunteers of all faiths and it 
prides itself on serving all low-income families regardless of race, 
religion, culture, or gender.
  Habitat for Humanity of Chester County began operations in 1986 as a 
part of the Greater Philadelphia Habitat for Humanity. Shortly 
afterwards in 1988, Chester County became a separate affiliate after 
completing its first home. Today, Habitat for Humanity of Chester 
County is one of six affiliates in the Delaware Valley and one of 1,600 
United States affiliates of Habitat for Humanity International.
  Since 1988, Habitat for Humanity Chester County has built 58 homes 
and refurbished an additional seven properties in the area. In 2003, 
the organization began construction on eleven new homes in Chester 
County. Eight of these homes will be located in the city of Coatesville 
and three in the borough of Phoenixville, Pennsylvania.
  Volunteers from the community are a vitally important part of Habitat 
for Humanity. In 2000 alone, community volunteers in Chester County, 
Pennsylvania contributed more that 25,000 hours of work on the homes 
for those less fortunate. Habitat for Humanity brings volunteers and 
future homeowners in the community together in a positive and 
productive fashion, putting a face and a name on the issue of 
affordable housing.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in recognizing 
the outstanding contributions that Habitat for Humanity has made not 
only in Chester County, Pennsylvania, but for their service to the 
needy throughout the world.

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