February 14, 2007

MINNEAPOLIS – The chronic large-scale problem of homelessness and affordable housing has been dramatically and achingly portrayed in accounts of Hurricane Katrina, the South Asian tsunami, and other recent natural disasters. The newly released, Creating a Habitat for Humanity: No Hands but Yours, heralds a passionate plea for personal involvement in resolving these issues.

Written by Jonathan Reckford, President and CEO of Habitat for Humanity, Creating a Habitat for Humanity is intended primarily for use in congregations and by general readers who are interested in the issue of poverty housing and the Habitat story.

The book begins with Jonathan Reckford's personal story and philosophy for Habitat for Humanity. Detailing the problems and opportunities represented by the various circumstances of homelessness in the United States and abroad, Reckford tells the story of how Habitat has touched the lives of people around the world and is transforming not only those receiving housing but those who participate as builders. The final chapter helps individuals and groups take a "justice, mercy, and humility" self-check and lays out a list of action suggestions.

Creating a Habitat for Humanity: No Hands but Yours is a vital book for every experienced or first-time housing volunteer. It will educate and motivate members of congregation councils, adult study groups, youth groups, and outreach and justice groups within congregations.

A dedicated Web site, http://www.creatingahabitat.org/, features the foreword by former President Jimmy Carter, an introduction by the author, a section where homeowners and volunteers can post their stories, and words of praise from politicians, NGO's, and the religious community. Also Included are a study guide, a leader's guide , and a worship resource for creating as many as six worship services based on the six core principles of Habitat for Humanity.

"This book should stir civil society organizations to scale up their efforts and hold Governments accountable to meet their commitment to achieve the Millennium Goals. The Right to Shelter along with the other Millennium Goals are indeed basic human rights." – Salil Shetty, Director, United Nations Millennium Campaign.

"Jonathan Reckford's new book, Creating a Habitat for Humanity frames for all of us the whole issue of housing and then nails down exactly why and how you and I can help. Informative, moving, illuminating, and encouraging, the book is a great guide for individuals and groups who want to become involved but lack the tools." – The Honorable Jack Kemp, former Vice Presidential Candidate, former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, and former US Congressman.

"Jonathan Reckford in Creating a Habitat for Humanity sharpens the moral imperative so that it can provide the impetus for the next generation of Habitat's contributions in the United States and around the world." – Henry Cisneros, Former Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Executive Chairman, CityView.

"It has been said that most people take their homes for granted, but that no one who has been homeless or who has worked on a Habitat house ever does. This is a book that will put serious readers in the same category. Whether you are reading as an individual or as part of a study group, it's unlikely you will ever view housing quite the same way again." – Jimmy Carter, former President of the United States, from the foreword.

"This book will lead many of its readers to places they never imagined. . . . Those who read Jonathan Reckford's book may find their lives forever changed." -Bob Edgar, General Secretary, National Council of Churches USA.

"Thank you, Jonathan Reckford, for elevating our sights beyond today's polarizing political and religious polemics and so inspiringly reminding us that there is no higher calling than the common ground of serving ‘the least of these.'" – Neal Keny-Guyer, CEO, Mercy Corps.

"The memories of my first Habitat for Humanity build came flooding back as I read this book, bringing tears to my eyes and a smile to my face. . . . The questions for reflection after each chapter give one an opportunity to search their own soul as to one's own definition of embracing the gift of humanity." – Claudia R. Bosch, Catholic Daughters National Regent.

Jonathan Reckford is Chief Executive Officer of Habitat for Humanity. He brings vast experience as an executive in business as well as his most recent work as executive pastor of Christ Presbyterian Church of Edina, Minnesota. He lives in Atlanta, Georgia.

Creating a Habitat for Humanity: No Hands but Yours, By Jonathan Reckford, Item Number: 9780800638887, Details: 120 pages, 5.5 x 8.5 inches, Price: $10.00, Publisher: Fortress Press.

All proceeds from the sale of this book will go directly to the efforts of Habitat for Humanity.

To order Creating a Habitat for Humanity; No Hands but Yours visit our Web site at http://www.augsburgfortress.org/.

Fortress Press