Thermal Belt Habitat for Humanity’s work to provide affordable housing in Polk County and the Landrum area has helped Habitat for Humanity International rank as the sixth largest homebuilder on “Builder Magazine”’s top 100 list. With 6,032 closings in 2010, this is the second time Habitat for Humanity has placed in the top 10.

“Our placement on the Builder 100 list is a testament to what can be accomplished when people work together,” said Larry Gluth, senior vice president of U.S. and Canada for Habitat for Humanity International. “So many families in the United States and around the world face an incredible need for affordable housing, and this need only increases during challenging economic times. Habitat works every day to help these families, and we are grateful for the generosity of our donors, volunteers and advocates who have joined our efforts to help families obtain safe, decent and affordable homes and to strengthen communities.”

“Since 1984 we have built more than 63 homes,” said Manfred Walter, Thermal Belt Habitat’s president. “We are thrilled that our work to provide affordable housing has contributed to Habitat’s ranking as the sixth largest builder in the United States. We are proud to help families obtain affordable housing and we thank our supporters for their commitment to helping families in need.”

The Builder 100 list is an annual compilation of the largest homebuilders in the country. In 2009, Habitat for Humanity ranked eighth on the list with 5,294 closings, marking the first time the organization made it to the top 10.

– article submitted by Mike Patterson