Oxnard, CA – Habitat for Humanity’s Cars for Homes program has distributed more than $10 million to Habitat affiliates nationwide.

The Cars for Homes program began in the state of Washington in November 2003 as a pilot program. In 2005, it was approved as a national program of Habitat for Humanity International. The Cars for Homes program was created specifically to assist Habitat affiliates by generating funding from the sale of donated vehicles. Revenue is distributed to affiliates based on the zip code of the donor.

“Since this program began, our affiliate has received more than $45,000 through Cars for Homes,” said Stacy Swanson, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Ventura County. “Those dollars go directly to help us build more homes for families in need right here in our community. This is a creative way for people to be generous and address a critical need in Ventura County.”

Cars for Homes is Habitat for Humanity’s national vehicle donation program that provides donors a quick and easy process for donating cars, trucks, boats, RVs and other vehicles to help build homes in partnership with local low-income families in need of decent, affordable shelter.

More than 1,100 Habitat affiliates nationwide and five Habitat national offices around the world have received funding from the program.

“We are very pleased to have reached this major milestone with the Cars for Homes program,” said Marcia Rundle, the director of the program. “Thanks to our generous donors, Habitat affiliates have been able to use the funds earned from the recycling of used and idle vehicles to help address affordable housing needs in their communities.”

To learn more about the Cars for Homes program, go to http://www.habitat.org/carsforhomes.
Visit Habitat World Blog to view a related slide show.

About Habitat for Humanity of Ventura County
Habitat for Humanity of Ventura County, a locally-run affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, has built homes for 52 Ventura County families and rehabilitated over 500 homes since 1983. This summer, another two homes will be completed in Piru, and construction of two single family homes in Oxnard will begin. Homeowners are selected based on their need for housing, ability to repay a no-interest loan, and willingness to partner with Habitat for Humanity. Loan repayments contribute to help build additional houses. Because Habitat’s loans are no-profit, they are affordable for low-income family partners. In 2011, the affiliate launched a new Preserve A Home initiative. This initiative will enable the affiliate to serve more families by responding to community housing needs with an expanded array of neighborhood revitalization products, services, and partnerships. Visit www.habitatventura.org for more information about our programs and the Habitat ReStore, a discount home improvement store opened to the public.

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 1976, Habitat has built, rehabilitated, repaired or improved 400,000 houses worldwide, providing simple, decent and affordable shelter for more than 2 million people. For more information, or to donate or volunteer, visit Habitat.org.