[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 29 (Thursday, February 12, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E249]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 PINELLAS HABITAT FOR HUMANITY DEDICATES 100TH ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDA 
                                 HOUSE

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                         HON. C. W. BILL YOUNG

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 12, 2009

  Mr. YOUNG of Florida. Madam Speaker, The volunteer spirit is alive 
and well in our nation and it remains one of our country's core values. 
Habitat for Humanity is one of the programs that capture that spirit by 
helping our neighbors in need to achieve the great American dream of 
home ownership.
  Pinellas Habitat for Humanity, the chapter I have the privilege to 
represent, achieved a milestone last November when it dedicated its 
100th St. Petersburg, Florida house. Executive Barbara Inman and her 
entire staff, her Board of Directors, her Advisory Board, and her 
volunteer team are to be congratulated on their work even during these 
most difficult economic times to bring affordable housing to our 
community.
  Norm Bungard, one of St. Petersburg's greatest volunteers and 
champions of Habitat for Humanity, told me that the program typifies 
the values of a successful society. These include hard work, which is 
exemplified by the thousands of hours of sweat equity by volunteers and 
the new homeowners; community involvement, witnessed by the long list 
of volunteers who help build and finish the homes; government 
involvement, evidenced by the city's land donations for the homes; 
corporate and church sponsorship; and common sense business practices 
that are the result of countless seminars that ensure owners stay in 
their homes.
  Madam Speaker, the spirit of giving, the commitment to hard work, and 
the joy of homeownership were all evident as Cynthia Ivey and her 
daughter Chauncey were given the keys to their first home. This was the 
result of the Habitat for Humanity network of Pinellas staff, 
volunteers, and community and corporate sponsors. Join me in 
congratulating all those who made this such a special milestone day for 
such a special cause.

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