Habitat for Humanity
of Greater Miami
3800 NW 22nd Avenue
Miami, FL  33142
Phone (305) 634-3628
Fax (305) 638-4917  

MIAMI – APRIL 4, 2011 - As part of a continuing effort of building and refurbishing homes in
Miami-Dade’s Liberty City, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Miami (Miami Habitat) will hold its
13th annual Blitz Build, Blitz off Broadway from April 4-16, 2011.

In order to reach an ambitious goal of building ten homes in ten days, more than 2,500
volunteers, corporate sponsors, Miami Habitat homeowners, and Liberty City residents will
take part in thisaccelerated construction event. Blitz is part of Miami Habitat’s Liberty City
Shine campaign, which aims to build or rehabilitate 150 homes over the next two years.
This year’s campaign will focus on homes in the NW 18th avenue corridor, also known as
“Broadway” in the community. Upon completion of the Blitz homes, Miami Habitat will
have sold approximately 100 partner families new homes in the Liberty City community.

Every new Miami Habitat home tells a story. For homeowner Italia Smith and her son and
daughter, ages 10 and 14, their new home will mean a new life. “My kids having their own
space will give them independence and spark their creative minds,” said Smith.  “The
Habitat experience has been a blessing. I will have received so much more than
homeownership, I’ve gained new friends and a family,” she added.  “I am proud to be one
of the fa milies moving into a Habitat home and to be a part of this
community."

The realization of these homes is made possible through the generous support of dozens
of Miami-Dade corporations and organizations. Miami-Dade County has donated much of
the land as part of its infill program. The JPMorgan Chase Foundation has provided a
$500,000 grant to Habitat for Humanity of Greater Miami to create home ownership
opportunities for low income families, and to creating a stronger, more sustainable Liberty
City. As part of the funding support, Chase will also be the site sponsor for this year’s Blitz
Build.

“Hard working families continue to pursue the American dream of homeownership, including
struggling families in Liberty City,” said George Acevedo, head of Chase South Florida Retail.
“Stabilizing distressed communities is at the forefront of JPMorgan Chase’s charity-giving
and Habitat for Humanity of Greater Miami’s efforts, and we’re proud of this partnership.”

Individual homes are being underwritten by Assurant, Baptist Health South Florida, Bilzin
Sumberg Law, Citi, Faith House, Miami-Dade County Housing Finance Authority, Home Depot,
Publix Super Market Charities, WSVN News, Coldwelll Banker and Nissan.

On April 16, the selected families will receive the keys to their new homes. “The families taking
ownership is the moment which makes all the hard work pay off” said Mario Artecona, CEO of
Miami Habitat. “Blitz brings out the best in people and reminds you how many kind and
generous people we have in our community”

Volunteer opportunities are always available with Miami Habitat. No construction experience
needed—just a willingness to help families in need of a decent, affordable place to live.
Volunteers will be served breakfast and lunch and will be given t-shirts and mementoes
of their participation. 

For volunteer opportunities, contact Carlos Beron at (305) 634-3628 or carlos [dot] beron [at] miamihabitat [dot] org.

For media or general inquiries, contact Andrea Schleider at (786) 218-0977 or andrea [dot] schleider [at] miamihabitat [dot] org.