With the exciting new green building projects Habitat has on the horizon, the organization is holding a one- day conference to help demonstrate the benefits and features of this new environmentally-friendly way to build homes in Philadelphia. The conference will have two tracks – one to educate the general public and one for seasoned professionals interested in more advanced training.

When: Saturday, February 17, 2007
Where: Matheson Hall, Campus of Drexel University
Cost: $10/per person, free admission for children
Conference Schedule:

• 8:30 - 9:45 AM Continental Breakfast and Plenary
• 10:00 - 11:30 AM Concurrent Workshops
• 11:30 - 1:00 PM Lunch and Children’s Activities
• 1:00 - 2:30 PM Concurrent Workshops
• 2:30 - 4:00 PM Concurrent Workshops

Featured Workshop: Peter Lane Taylor of the Delaware Valley Green Building Council and Charlie Miller from Greenscapes will be teaching a course on how to build a green roof. Workshop participants will have hands-on experience in constructing the roof while learning about the process and its components.

Habitat will be posting more information on our website over the next week or two as details come together. Please visit www.habit atphiladelphia.org for updates.

Looking for a fun way to meet new people while doing something worthwhile for the Philadelphia community? Interested in meeting folks with a similar passion for helping others, building community, and improving the environment?

Habitat Philadelphia will be debuting a new program for socially-conscious singles to build a new home in partnership with families in need. This special volunteer day is geared toward folks who are interested in serving their community and meeting others who share their interest in making the world a better place. The half day of hands- on construction will provide team-building opportunities. A social/cocktail hour at a local restaurant will follow the hard day’s work!

Singles Build projects for 2007 will include houses in North, West, and South Philadelphia. To sign up for the following date, please visit our website or email Larisa Forest.

Singles Build “Date”:

• Saturday, June 23rd, 2007

In a South Philadelphia neighborhood, powerhouse Sprint, Incorporated has joined the continuing efforts of community builders to reestablish the area as a safe and affordable place for homeowners. As part of Bon Jovi’s efforts to engage corporate entities to invest in their community, Sprint has already contributed largely to the megastar’s debut projects with Habitat on Monument Street, North Philadelphia, last year. Now the Point Breeze community, located at South Broad Street and Washington and extending north to Center City, will see a “monument” of its own to safety and stability in the form of two new sustainable home constructions due to Sprint’s continued investment.

Before World War II, Point Breeze was a thriving community and prime shopping district. Eventually business neglect, crime increase, and ultimately population decline have turned it into one of Philadelphia’s most depressed areas. An excess of vacant buildings and violent street crimes have led community organizations to rise up and begin revitalizing the district. Habitat Philadelphia has joined the Point Breeze Coalition, John Gloucester House, and South Philadelphia HOMES in the efforts to build homes and increase the possibility for long- time homeowner investment in Point Breeze. Another property in the area, 1262 S 23rd Street, was completed and dedicated last year, sponsored by local Presbyterian churches.

The new, Sprint-sponsored constructions, begun in November 2006, involve three house structures on Titan Street that have been left vacant for at least two decades. Cicada Architecture is providing the plans for these small houses to be turned into two larger homes.

Habitat Philadelphia is grateful for Sprint’s vision and support of Philadelphia and Habitat’s work to revive the city. It is our goal that this monumental project will be a springboard for future building efforts to continue making Point Breeze a safe and secure neighborhood for families.