Ft. Collins, CO (February 8, 2013)
A group of dedicated students from Fossil Ridge High School participating in Youth United, a program in association with Fort Collins Habitat for Humanity, has been selected to receive a $2,000 matching grant from State Farm for its outstanding work in creating affordable housing in partnership with low-income families.
Fort Collins Habitat for Humanity's Youth United program creates an opportunity for youth of all ages to raise funds, plan and promote the building of a Habitat home. Youth from the ages of 16 to 25 are also able to assist at the construction site. These programs have allowed youth to actively participate in Fort Collins Habitat for Humanity projects and have helped the Fort Collins Habitat for Humanity reach many goals throughout the years.
"We are thrilled to see the dedicated students from Fossil Ridge High School receive seed money from State Farm Insurance to help Habitat grow the Youth United program. This program is very inspiring because it gives high school students the tools necessary to make a tangible impact in their community. They receive leadership training and learn how to bring diverse youth together to advocate for affordable housing, to invest, to raise capital, and eventually to build walls and change the life of a local family", said Kristin Candella, Executive Director for Fort Collins Habitat for Humanity.
"State Farm is committed to building safer, stronger and better educated communities," said local State Farm Agent Chip Beake. "We are proud to present this award to Habitat with the ultimate goal of connecting youth to their community."
The Youth United program is one of the many programs Habitat has to engage youth ages 5 to 25 in Habitat's work including, the Youth Leadership Conference, Campus Chapters and the Learn and Build Experience. In addition to the ongoing support State Farm offices provide to local Habitat affiliates across the United States, State Farm has served as the national corporate sponsor of Habitat for Humanity's youth programs since 2007.
Angela Thorpe
Media Relations Specialist
Office: (303) 264-1560
Cell: (303) 870-5462
Raquel Martinez
Fort Collins Habitat for Humanity
Fort Collins Habitat for Humanity is an ecumenical Christian housing ministry is an affiliate of Habitat International. Habitat builds houses in partnership with families in need, giving them hope to rise above discouraging, ever-increasing housing costs by giving them a home where they can build a life. The strength and foundation of a home can be the hope that transforms the life of a family. FortCollinsHabitat.org
Habitat for Humanity International is a global nonprofit Christian housing organization that seeks to put God's love into action by bringing people together to build homes, communities and hope. Since 1976, Habitat has served more than 500,000 families by welcoming people of all races, religions and nationalities to construct, rehabilitate or preserve homes; by advocating for fair and just housing policies; and by providing training and access to resources to help families improve their shelter conditions. For more information, to donate or to volunteer, please visit www.habitat.org, or follow us at www.facebook.com/habitat or at www.twitter.com/habitat_org or join Habitat's blog community at www.habitat.org/blog.
State Farm and its affiliates are the largest provider of car insurance in the U.S. and is a leading insurer in Canada. In addition to providing auto insurance quotes, their 17,800 agents and more than 65,000 employees serve 81 million policies and accounts - more than 79 million auto, home, life and health policies in the United States and Canada, and nearly 2 million bank accounts. Commercial auto insurance, along with coverage for renters, business owners, boats and motorcycles, is also available. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company is the parent of the State Farm family of companies. State Farm is ranked No. 43 on the Fortune 500 list of largest companies. For more information, please visit http://www.statefarm.com or in Canada http://www.statefarm.ca.
