[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 57 (Wednesday, April 21, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E611]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  IN RECOGNITION OF THE GROUNDBREAKING OF A NEW HABITAT FOR HUMANITY 
                              DEVELOPMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 21, 2010

  Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise today, joined by my 
colleague, The Hon. James Moran, to celebrate the groundbreaking of a 
new Habitat for Humanity development in Northern Virginia. This new 
development, Perry Hall, will provide homes to 12 families in Arlington 
County, Virginia.
  Habitat for Humanity of Northern Virginia, an affiliate of Habitat 
for Humanity International, was founded in 1990 and is entering its 
20th year serving Arlington and Fairfax Counties as well as the cities 
of Alexandria, Falls Church and Fairfax. Since 1990, Habitat for 
Humanity has built homes for 73 Northern Virginia families.
  Habitat for Humanity is dedicated to the belief that all people 
deserve a safe and decent place to live. To qualify for a Habitat for 
Humanity home, the applicant must have lived in Northern Virginia for 
at least 1 year prior to application, currently live in either 
substandard or inadequate housing which may include overcrowded or 
unsafe living conditions, be willing to complete 300-500 hours of 
``sweat equity'' to building of their home, earn only 25-50% of the 
area median income, and have adequate income to pay a 20-30 year zero 
interest mortgage with a 1% down payment.
  The successes of Habitat for Humanity of Northern Virginia would not 
be possible without the support of their partnerships with individuals, 
corporations, civic organizations, associations and faith based groups 
from throughout the community. Equally important are the committed 
employees and volunteers who dedicate countless hours to achieve the 
goal of providing homes for those in need.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the 
groundbreaking of Perry Hall and in recognizing the invaluable 
contributions that Habitat for Humanity of Northern Virginia has made 
to the entire region. I would also ask that my colleagues join me in 
thanking the supporters, employees and volunteers of this wonderful 
organization for their ongoing dedication.

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