Media Contact: Jennifer Mulchandani, Marketing & Communications Manager Habitat for Humanity of Northern Virginia Office: 703-521-9890, extension 105 Direct Cell: 703-304-0465 jmulchandani@habitatnova.org Habitat for Humanity of Northern Virginia Breaks Ground in Falls Church and Names Newest Habitat Family FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Falls Church, Virginia, June 25, 2013: Habitat for Humanity of Northern Virginia held a ceremonial groundbreaking for a new home in Falls Church, VA today. This single family, 3-bedroom home will be the organization's 81st new home built since 1990. Participants included Delegate Jim Scott, representing the 53rd District in Fairfax, the Habitat family who will become the homeowners, local clergy, Habitat for Humanity of Northern Virginia staff and Directors of the Board. This new home is being built with the support of corporate partners, individual donors and over 1,500 volunteers who will physically construct the house. Habitat for Humanity of Northern Virginia coordinates all aspects of the home build in order to keep the home affordable. The new homeowners will purchase the home with a low down payment and a zero-interest mortgage, held by the non-profit; this model allows purchasers who earn 30%-50% of the area median income to qualify for the home ownership program. Habitat for Humanity of Northern Virginia Executive Director, Rev. Jon Smoot said, "Northern Virginia is hurting for lack of affordable housing, and our Habitat model of facilitating home ownership is unique and a long lasting solution for working families. Instead of having to move year after year, chasing affordable rent, our homeowners can enjoy the stability of ownership and financial certainty of a fixed mortgage." Smoot continued, " today we celebrate breaking ground for another home in this great community, and we proudly introduce the Khalil family." Muhsin Khalil and his wife Amani Salih came to America in 2002, escaping human rights violations in their native Sudan. The couple are now United States citizens and have four daughters, ages 7, 5, 3 and 1. The Khalil/Salih family is currently renting a two-bedroom apartment in Reston. Congressman Jim Moran attended the ceremony and said, "I applaud Habitat NOVA's work bringing much-needed affordable housing to our area, helping to put a roof over the head of our neighbors. I also want to welcome the Khalil family to the site of their new residence. While the monetary value of this house is public record, the real value lies in the people who call it home and the memories that are made there." Virginia is the 9th least affordable state, according to the Northern Virginia Affordable Housing Alliance, whose data show average rents in Fairfax of $1,500 for a two-bedroom apartment. The data highlights a growing need for affordable housing, with renters needing to earn $60,000 to be able to afford a 2-bedroom apartment. While construction on the new home will last approximately ten months, the Khalil/Salih family has already completed more than 50 hours of "sweat equity" for the non-profit. The unique Habitat for Humanity model of homeownership requires the purchasing family to provide 500 hours of volunteer hours towards their own home build and other activities in the organization. To date the Khalil's have been logging hours at the Chantilly ReStore, a retail store run by Habitat for Humanity of Northern VA. Muhsin Khalil said, "having a Habitat for Humanity home will give me and my children a better life. Before now, in order to find safety for my family, we moved a lot. We moved to many apartments. Now, my family will have stability. To come to America and find a home is a very good thing. Everyone has said how lucky we are. We love everyone and it seems that everyone loves us." Habitat for Humanity is proud to be partnering with a number of companies in support of the new home on Douglass Avenue. The premier sponsor is E*TRADE Bank, with additional underwriting from the Stafford Foundation, Christopher Companies, Virginia Housing Development Authority and Capital One Bank. About Habitat for Humanity of Northern Virginia Habitat for Humanity of Northern Virginia's unique model of affordable housing is focused on home ownership. Habitat homeowners secure a zero percent interest mortgage, while the non-profit secures corporate sponsorship, in-kind donations, and volunteer labor to make the home affordable. Habitat for Humanity of Northern Virginia (Habitat NOVA) was founded in 1990, and to date has built 80 homes, rehabilitated 4 homes and repaired 20 homes, benefiting more than 400 people. As a local affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, Habitat NOVA serves the counties of Fairfax and Arlington and the Cities of Falls Church, Fairfax, and Alexandria. More information is available at www.habitatnova.org. ## | 
