Habitat for Humanity International Assesses Tornado Damage to Headquarters Hometown

Habitat for Humanity International has joined tornado response efforts across a wide area of the Southeast, including hard-hit Americus, Ga., the town where Habitat was founded and where it continues to have its operational headquarters.

The organization and its local affiliates are continuing to assess damage and develop long-term response plans in parts of Georgia, Alabama and Missouri that were heavily damaged by the past week's system of tornados.

In Americus, the nonprofit organization's disaster response unit continues to help assess damage across the city and surrounding Sumter County and to check on the well being of HFHI staff members and neighbors who live in the impacted area. So far, it appears that more than 500 homes, including three Habitat houses, were damaged by the storm.

Habitat for Humanity offices were not damaged and available space is being offered to community groups and businesses that may need temporary office areas. Habitat is working collaboratively with the Salvation Army and local Red Cross officials and also will be at the table Monday when a long-term recovery committee forms to address post-relief phases of the response in Americus.

"During this time, we are asking people to pray for Habitat for Humanity staff members, as well as our friends, family and neighbors in this community that has been so important to our organization over the years," said Jonathan Reckford, CEO, Habitat for Humanity International.

About Habitat for Humanity International

Habitat for Humanity International is an ecumenical Christian ministry that welcomes to its work all people dedicated to the cause of eliminating poverty housing. Since its founding in Americus, Ga., in 1976, Habitat has built more than 200,000 houses in nearly 100 countries, providing simple, decent and affordable shelter for more than 1 million people. For more information, visit http://www.habitat.org.