6/24/2009 Habitat for Humanity Americorps members hold 2009 Build-a-Thon


The AmeriCorps Build-a-Thon is an annual signature event that brings together AmeriCorps members and alumni in a weeklong blitz build. The Build-a-Thon provides the host affiliate an opportunity to advance and highlight local house-building efforts.

The event is held across the United States and highlights a different Habitat affiliate each year. In the past, Build-a-Thons have occurred in the Gulf Coast; Dallas, Texas; and Mobile County, Alabama; and Jacksonville, Florida.

From June 14th through 20th, more than 500 Habitat for Humanity AmeriCorps members and alumni helped 20 families build houses in the community hardest hit by the Iowa floods of 2008. National Football League quarterback Kurt Warner and his wife joined Habitat AmeriCorps to build in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

"This Build-a-Thon is a powerful way to highlight the need for affordable housing for victims of the Iowa flooding while also celebrating the many contributions AmeriCorps members make to Habitat and other organizations in thousands of communities throughout the country every day," said Jonathan Reckford, chief executive officer of Habitat for Humanity International. "We are so grateful to these hard-working AmeriCorps members for their commitment to eliminating poverty housing and applaud them for their service."