[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 147 (Monday, October 1, 2007)]
[Senate]
[Page S12378]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

   Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, I wish today to congratulate 
the New Mexico affiliates of Habitat for Humanity on the completion of 
their 500th house. This house was built for Frances Marquez and her 
daughter, 11-year-old Amanda Marquez in San Pedro, NM, which is located 
right outside of Espanola. The Espanola and Los Alamos affiliate of 
Habitat for Humanity gathered 100 people from Espanola Valley to 
volunteer on this project and bring a real sense of community to the 
Marquez family's new home.
  This particular house was a very special project. It involved the 
community not only through the volunteers who built the house, but also 
through the suggestions of Northern New Mexico College surveying 
students who helped draft the plans for the house. Drafting instructor 
Jeff Toomey brought this project to his class in order to give them a 
real-world lesson on drafting plans for a client. Thanks to their 
input, this house was specially designed to meet the needs of the 
Marquez family.
  Habitat for Humanity is responsible for the creation and 
rehabilitation of over 150,000 homes since its 1976 inception. In my 
home State of New Mexico, there are 18 affiliates of Habitat for 
Humanity who have improved the lives of families and communities by 
striving to provide safe and affordable housing. As a Senator, I am 
always looking for ways to help New Mexico communities be the best that 
they can be, and thanks to organizations like Habitat for Humanity, 
this common goal can be accomplished.

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