August 5, 2010
Habitat for Humanity youth volunteers receive State Farm® grant

San Fernando Valley (Aug. 5th 2010) – Habitat SF/SCV Youth United has been selected to receive a $2000.00 financial education grant from Habitat for Humanity International and State Farm. The grant provides resources to train and empower youth to educate their community in the importance of financial literacy.

“Our affiliate’s unique Enriched Neighborhood Model brings affordable housing to a new level. We have realized that financial literacy is the key to sustainable homeownership. This along with a variety of other classes - computer training, English as a second language, health and dental workshops, and more – creates the supportive neighborhood necessary to help lift families out of poverty and toward self-sufficiency” said Jesseca Woywod, Habitat for Humanity SF/SCV’s Youth United Coordinator.
“We are excited that our Youth United Group has received this award and look forward to seeing their great work in our community.”

Habitat SF/SCV Youth United works in partnership with Habitat for Humanity San Fernando/Santa Clarita Valleys to help families obtain a safe, decent and affordable home. After attending training, Habitat SF/SCV Youth United plans to return to their schools and community organizations to relay the valuable information and training to their peers.

Financial literacy is an important component of the Habitat partner family process. Prior to becoming a Habitat homeowner, partner families must demonstrate the ability to repay a no-profit mortgage. Habitat offers financial education workshops for partner families to attend. Additionally, Habitat for Humanity International provides personal finance resources online at http://www.habitat.org/habitat_learns/recipies_default.aspx.

State Farm and Habitat are offering four additional financial education grants to Habitat youth groups across the country. Since 2007, State Farm has served as the national corporate sponsor of Habitat for Humanity’s youth programs, with a sponsorship commitment of more than $1.1 million in grants each year. Additionally, State Farm offices contribute more than $500,000 annually to Habitat affiliates across the United States.

About Habitat SF/SCV Youth United

Habitat SF/SCV Youth United Chapter is currently rallying together in preparation for our major advocacy day – World Habitat Day 2010. On October 16th, 1000’s of supporters will complete our 5k American Dream Walk in Pacoima, California. The walk will serve to educate the public about the lack of decent, affordable housing in Los Angeles. Participants will advocate for legislation and changes to public policy that will help not only future Habitat homeowners, but all low-income, hard working residents.

Our ultimate mission is to create the institutional changes today, that will bring better tomorrows.

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 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.

About State Farm®:
State Farm insures more cars and homes than any other insurer in the U.S., is the leading insurer of watercraft and is also a leading insurer in Canada. State Farm's 17,700 agents and more than 67,000 employees serve 81 million policies and accounts – almost 79 million auto, fire, life and health policies in the United States and Canada, and nearly 2 million bank accounts. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company is the parent of the State Farm family of companies. State Farm is ranked No. 31 on the Fortune 500 list of largest companies. For more information, please visit statefarm.com® or in Canada statefarm.ca®.