[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 86 (Friday, June 24, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1328]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                TRIBUTE TO THE JIMMY CARTER WORK PROJECT

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. FRED UPTON

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 23, 2005

  Mr. UPTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and pay tribute to 
the Jimmy Carter Work Project and the thousands of volunteers who 
joined together this week to help build Habitat for Humanity houses for 
the city of Benton Harbor, Michigan.
  Across the State of Michigan, over 4,000 volunteers are building a 
total of 200 houses in local communities. In Benton Harbor alone, 1,700 
volunteers from around the world have built 20 new houses, bringing not 
only large smiles on the faces of 20 families, but the reward of 
success after hours of hard work. The hands-on approach that the Jimmy 
Carter Work Project takes towards homeownership is both invaluable and 
inspiring. Homeowners must donate about 300 hours of their own time 
toward building their own homes. This partnership of volunteers working 
side by side with those in need is truly encouraging to all of us who 
want to bring the opportunity of homeownership to every family.
  Homeownership is fundamental to improving and preserving the quality 
of life for the folks of southwest Michigan and beyond, and is truly 
the cornerstone of the American Dream. Taking pride in our 
neighborhoods and homes is a necessity to building successful 
communities and the work that Habitat for Humanity has done for 
countless individuals is truly inspiring.
  This year's Project in Michigan is the second largest in Jimmy Carter 
Work Project's 22 year history and the first time that Habitat has 
organized to build homes throughout an entire state. Over the past 
several years Benton Harbor has been through many challenges and 
obstacles, but the coming together of folks throughout our community to 
work to bring the American Dream to our neighbors is what makes both 
the Jimmy Carter Work Project and southwest Michigan extraordinary.
  I look forward to any opportunity to continue this partnership with 
Habitat for Humanity in its efforts to build more decent, affordable 
housing for all.
  I want to once again commend everyone who has worked and continues to 
work to make homeownership a reality for people in need. This is a 
great day for our communities in Michigan and I want to once again 
commend both Jimmy Carter and Habitat for Humanity for turning dreams 
into reality.

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