SHELBYVILLE, IL. — Habitat for Humanity in Shelby County is proud to announce their organization along with the many other Habitats have helped Habitat for Humanity to achieve a number 8 position on the “Builder 100” list.  This marks the first time this nonprofit has been among the top 10 biggest builders in the United States.

“The ‘Builder 100’ list’ is a magazine and this ranking marks the first time Habitat has been in the top 10,” said Elma Rincker, Publicity Chairperson for Habitat for Humanity in Shelby County.  “We feel this is an awesome ranking.”

The Builder’s List shows Habitat, with 5,294 closing last year, moved up three spots in 2009 from its 2008 ranking of 11.

Habitat for Humanity in Shelby County has constructed 7 houses and are working on their 8th.

“Our partner family for this 8th house is Michelle Geer and her two daughters,” continued Rincker.  “That house is located at 1009 South West 3rd Street.”

Rincker said work days on this house are Wednesdays and Saturdays and the workers start at 7:30 a.m.  and in extreme heat they knock off early.

“We need volunteer help building this house, so if anyone or any group would like to put together a crew, they should call Winston Campbell at 774-2011,” Rincker said.

Rincker said Habitat needs applications for houses.  She has those applications at Merle Norman Cosmetics and Susie Kensil with DOVE has applications also.

To qualify as a partner family you must meet certain qualifications.  First you must live in sub-standard housing.  Secondly  you must have sufficient income to afford the mortgage which is approximately $400 a month which can vary due to insurance and taxes.  The partner family must also promise to perform the 200 sweat equity hours required.

The 8th house sits on a lot donated by Dick and Bonnie Clark, Rick and Melanie Clark, and Ronnie and Dee Wicker.

Rincker said the partner family for the 9th house has been chosen.  That partner family is Angela Binnion and her 3 children, Hannah 10, Ty 6, Trent 3.  Binnion is the office manager at the Greater Shelbyville Chamber of Commerce.

Rincker said counting Geer and her children, the 8 houses built thus far house 32 people in decent housing.

In 2009, Habitat affiliates repaired 710 homes nationwide, up from 621 homes in 2008.  Around the world, Habitat for Humanity helped 61,005 low-income families by building 23,657 new houses and rehabilitating or repairing 37,348 houses.

Builder magazine’s annual Builder 100 List compiles data provided by the nation’s builders, including their closings.

“Habitat for Humanity affiliates have been working in more than 1,500 communities in the U. S.  to ensure that more than 5,200 families had a new or renovated affordable home to live in last year,” said Mark Andrews, senior director of U. S. Operations for Habitat for Humanity International.  “We could not have accomplished this work without the sustained support of local leaders, volunteers and donors.”

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 more than 350,000 houses worldwide, providing simple, decent and affordable shelter for more than 1.75 million people.  For more information, or to donate or volunteer, visit www.habitat.org