The chapter’s obligation is to supply 50 percent the volunteers, including 12 percent Thrivent members, and 10 percent of the cost of the house. The Barrow County Habitat affiliate, our partner in this exciting project, estimates our portion of the cost to be $7,865. The national Thrivent partner will cover 65 percent of the cost of the home, and the Habitat affiliate will pay 25 percent.

The build will take place June to August, 2007. The building site is near downtown Winder. The family receiving the home will be announced shortly.

How can you get involved?
• Volunteer. We can use skilled and unskilled workers. Sign-up sheets with specific work assignments will be available soon, including supplying lunch for the workers.
• Donate. We want to raise our portion of the funds before we begin the build in June. You’ll be hearing about fund-raising events but don’t wait. Send your check, made out to Thrivent Builds, to Janet Rodekohr, 1101 Ridgefield Way, Bishop, GA 30621. All donations are tax-deductible.
• Join the Team. If you would like to receive e-mail updates on the build, contact Janet at 706/769-8283 or jrodekohr@bellsouth.net.
• Come to the groundbreaking ceremony! We’ll be breaking ground Sunday, April 22, at 3 p.m. at the building site on 63 Williamson St. in Winder, just north of highway 29 downtown. Everyone is welcome, particularly those who plan to volunteer.

The Winder home is part of a $24.5 million commitment between Thrivent and Habitat to build 355 homes in 43 states in 2007. In 2006, the first year of a 4-year alliance, 313 families in 43 states achieved the dream of home ownership. To learn more, visit www.thriventbuilds.com.