Title: ELCA and Habitat for Humanity ELCA NEWS SERVICE - NEWSBRIEF April 24, 1996 HABITAT FOR HUMANITY The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America has entered into a relationship with Habitat for Humanity International for 1996- 1999. Meeting in Chicago April 12-15, the ELCA Church Council designated the Division for Church in Society (DCS) as the unit responsible for this partnership in coordination with other units within of the church. Among other things, the ELCA will: * Encourage study of the problem of inadequate housing. The division will identify study materials. * Assume that individual construction/rehabilitation projects will merit consideration for financial support by individuals, congregations and synods. * Remember Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI) in prayer and articipate in the International Day of Prayer and Action for Human Habitat. * Promote both long-term and short-term opportunities for volunteer service with local affiliates in other countries through HFHI. * Help organize specific work parties to assist in construction/rehabilitation of Habitat houses. The 1995 ELCA Churchwide Assembly expressed appreciation for the work of Habitat and asked DCS to recommend the specific form this relationship would take. For information contact: Ann Hafften, Dir., ELCA News Service, (312) 380-2958; Frank Imhoff, Assoc. Dir., (312) 380-2955; Lia Christiansen, Asst. Dir., (312) 380-2956