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