Midland, MI - January 11, 2006
Dow Building and Construction will join Habitat for Humanity in its "Home Builders Blitz 2006," June 5-9, to help build 1,000 homes around the country, many in communities devastated by the recent hurricanes.
"Habitat for Humanity is poised to deliver an unprecedented response to an unprecedented natural disaster," said Chris Clarke, Senior Vice President of Communications for Habitat for Humanity International. "To rebuild the lives of families who have lost so much and provide the 'hand up' that is the hallmark of our work will require an unprecedented level of support."
Dow volunteers will participate around the clock in a "Blitz Build" to construct homes for families in need, including those displaced by the hurricanes. The builders will be challenged to complete each home in five days with a total goal of nearly 1,000 homes.
In addition to lending manpower, Dow will also provide the materials necessary to protect homes for the future. Dow's signature STYROFOAM™ Brand insulation will be used in the re-building efforts. Dow's full line of building envelope products provide builders with application-specific solutions for the entire home, from top to bottom, inside and out, across the entire building envelope. The specific product benefits for homes in the hurricane belt are energy efficiency and moisture resistance.
"Helping out those in need with products that deliver energy payback year after year is important for sustainable home ownership and is therefore a huge value to the community," said Scott Young, Senior Marketing Manager, Dow Building & Construction (B&C). "We are glad to be working with Habitat for Humanity's 2006 Home Builders Blitz to provide our services and building products to help families' re-build their future."
In 2005, Dow participated in several other re-building efforts for hurricane victims led by Habitat for Humanity, including the "Rollin on the River" Barge Event, a response to those hard-hit homes along the Mississippi River. Stops included St. Louis, Memphis and Baton Rouge. At each stop, builders helped to panel and erect exterior and interior walls that were shipped by barges to Louisiana.
In addition, Dow helped build homes and supply building materials in a kick-off event for Habitat for Humanity's "Make a Difference Today," sponsored by the Today show and held in New York City's Rockefeller Plaza. On September 26, the area became "Humanity Plaza" as homes were built for families affected by the hurricanes.
To learn more about the full line of application-specific solutions from Dow, visit www.insulateyourhome.com or call 866.583.BLUE (2583).
About Dow Building Solutions
Dow Building Solutions (DBS) collaborates with builders, architects and remodelers, applying its expertise in building science to develop practical solutions that improve energy efficiency; protect against wind, rain and moisture; and contribute to reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. Its 60-year legacy of providing energy-saving solutions began with the launch of its flagship STYROFOAM™ Brand Insulation, and the DBS portfolio has since grown to include some of the most trusted brands used in residential and commercial building projects around the globe. Visit www.dowbuildingsolutions.com.
For Editorial Information:
Jan McKinnon
The Dow Chemical Company
519-339-5028
McKaela Moran
Porter Novelli
212-601-8283
