Habitat Saint Louis Celebrates 25 Years

Habitat for Humanity Saint Louis  kicked off its 25th anniversary celebration on Oct. 4, "World Habitat Day."  Habitat received a large birthday present: M&I Bank announced that it had donated $195,000 to Habitat to build three homes over the next three years.

In 1986, Habitat for Humanity St. Louis was founded as an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International. In 2010 Habitat for Humanity Saint Louis dedicated its 300th home.

"It has been a remarkable journey," said Kimberly McKinney, Habitat's chief executive officer. "Our accomplishments have been a source of great pride. They have been possible thanks to our generous sponsors and dedicated volunteers who believe that everybody deserves to live in simple, decent, and affordable housing."

Habitat has a goal to build 50 houses a year by 2015. Habitat for Humanity Saint Louis regularlyl ranks among the top of Habitat for Humanity's 1500-plus affiliates nationawide. Habitat is one of the leading housing developers in the St. Louis metro area. The 27 homes built in 2008 were all LEED Certified Platinum, making it the third largest LEED Platinum Certified development in the country. All 41 homes built in 2009 and 2010 were built to LEED Platinum standards, and are pending certification.

M&I Bank, formerly known in St. Louis as Southwest Bank, announced it's three-year commitment of three homes to help Habitat for Humanity St. Louis achieve its 50 homes a year by 2015 target, Tom Wilcox, bank senior vice president, said.

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