Allentown, July 15, 2015 – Military veterans of Team Rubicon will be volunteering with Habitat for Humanity of the Lehigh Valley on Saturday, July 18th to rehab a Habitat house in Allentown for a deserving, low-income family. This partnership is the cornerstone of Habitat Lehigh Valley’s new focus on serving veteran’s as it launches its Veteran’s Initiative.
Team Rubicon has partnered with other Habitat for Humanity affiliates, and has committed to a partnership with Habitat for Humanity of the Lehigh Valley. Team Rubicon helps veterans find a renewed sense of purpose—vital as many return to civilian life after more than a decade of war. The organization unites the skills and experiences of military veterans with first responders to rapidly deploy emergency response teams. In addition to disaster relief projects, Team Rubicon volunteers also work on proactive projects, as they often do with Habitat for Humanity. Deb Cummins, Executive Director, says, “Habitat Lehigh Valley is just launching its Veteran’s Initiative, and its goals will be to serve veterans through our programs and to engage them in our volunteer programs. Team Rubicon has supported other Habitat for Humanity affiliates successfully over the years, and we believe that this is a powerful partnership moving forward in showing our support for veterans and their families in our community.”
Habitat Lehigh Valley has acquired several blighted homes in the City of Allentown which had once been converted into multi-unit apartments – these properties will be converting back to single family homes for low-income families. “The plan for the first Team Rubicon & Habitat Lehigh Valley work day is interior selective demolition at 329 North 8th Street. As one of the first steps in renovating the home, we need to clear items such as acoustical ceilings, kitchens, bathrooms, flooring and selective walls. The goal is for Team Rubicon and Habitat volunteers to work together to remove a majority of these items from all 3 levels of the home. Moving forward, we hope to join forces with Team Rubicon on other Habitat home demolition projects and further this great partnership,” says Casey Gatchel, Director of Construction Services.
WHAT: Military Veterans of Team Rubicon Volunteer With Habitat for Humanity of the Lehigh Valley to Rehabilitate a Blighted Home in Allentown For a Deserving, Low-Income Family
WHEN: Saturday, July 18 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
WHERE: 329 N 8th St, Allentown, PA
About Habitat for Humanity of the Lehigh Valley Habitat for Humanity’s mission is to provide affordable housing for hardworking low-income families. Homeowners commit to 250 hours of “sweat equity” to be eligible for a Habitat home. Partner families repay a no-interest mortgage as part of Habitat’s philosophy of giving potential homeowners a “hand up” instead of a “hand out.” Since 1989, Habitat has built and renovated over 100 homes in the Lehigh Valley and has dedicated its 100th home last year. Contact Habitat Lehigh Valley at 610-776-7737 for additional information or explore its initiatives by visiting the website at http://www.habitatlv.org/.
