West Virginia Home Builders Receive $15,000
Grant for Katrina Relief Efforts
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:  Beth Thomasson
304-342-5176
bthomasson@hbawv.org 

The Home Builders Association of West Virginia was awarded a $15,000 grant from the Home Building Industry Disaster Relief Fund (HBIDRF) for the West Virginia Home Builders Charitable Fund to support members traveling to Mississippi in February with the purpose of helping in rebuilding efforts.  Funding will be used to purchase building materials.  Home Builder members contribute their own expenses for traveling, food and lodging during the trip.

            “This grant was a real boost to our Association and its members because it further demonstrates that our National Association has great faith that its West Virginia affiliate is a true role model of what this organization is all about – that Home Builders Care”, said Tom King, President of the WV Home Builders Association.  “When we established the WV HBA Charitable Fund, it was our intent to use our talents and resources to go into disaster areas and help victims re-establish their lives.  I think we have demonstrated that we are meeting these goals and that we are committed to helping our neighbors, wherever they may be”.

            The West Virginia Home Builders Association Charitable Fund was established by the HBA of West Virginia to assist others in disaster situations, such as the Gulf Coast states as a result of Hurricane Katrina.  For the past two years, members from West Virginia  have volunteered their time and expertise to assist homeowners in Mississippi whose homes were severely damaged by the hurricane.  This new grant will cover the cost of building materials and supplies to be used by those who will again return to the region February 17^th.

            Established by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) after Hurricane’s Katrina and Rita ravaged the Gulf Coast, the HBIDRF is helping to facilitate the rebuilding of communities affected by disasters.  Its mission is to make funds available to other recognized charities aiming to meet primary needs such as shelter, healthcare and education after a disaster.

            “I’m pleased we can play a small part in supporting the outstanding volunteer efforts led by West Virginia Home Builders,” said Bobby Rayburn, a home builder from Jackson, Mississippi and past NAHB president who heads upon NAHB’s disaster relief efforts.  “These efforts are a tangible way for our industry to help local communities recover from the devastation of  hurricanes and other disasters.”