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| · May 14, 2003 · |
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· Habitat For Humanity International To Open 'Global Village' Tourist Attraction June 7 In Americus, Ga. Visitors See the World in New LightAMERICUS, Ga. - In dilapidated poverty shacks of many African countries, the monsters in the closet are real scorpions and snakes that threaten children as they sleep. In the thousands of Habitat for Humanity homes built to replace such shacks, solid walls, leak-free roofs and no-interest mortgages offer a new beginning for African families living in poverty who work side-by-side with Habitat volunteers to realize their dream of stable shelter. At Habitat for Humanity International's Global Village & Discovery Center, opening June 7 in Americus, Ga., visitors can see first-hand the housing transformation that liberates families living in poverty around the world. In the 6-acre attraction, guests travel to the Habitat homes of 15 countries in Africa, Asia and Central America and participate in hands-on activities such as brick and tile making. The village eventually will expand to 35 houses, including those from poor European and South American regions, all with different building styles that demonstrate environmentally and culturally appropriate housing. Grand-opening festivities from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. will feature international food and music, children's activities, storytelling, tours and a dedication by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, a long-time Habitat for Humanity volunteer whose home in Plains, Ga., is just 10 miles from the center. The Americus attraction features:
The Global Village & Discovery Center is a valued addition to the rich cultural, historical and heritage attractions of southwest Georgia. Within 20 miles of the Global Village are President Jimmy Carter's home and museum in Plains, the Andersonville National Monument, the National POW Museum and many homes, hotels, churches and other buildings on the National Register of Historic Places. The SAM Shortline excursion train travels a route from Cordele, Ga. to Archery (President Carter's boyhood home) with stops at the Georgia Veterans State Park, the Georgia Rural Telephone Museum in Leslie, the Global Village & Discovery Center in Americus and Plains. Founded by Millard Fuller and his wife, Linda, in 1976, Habitat for Humanity International is an ecumenical Christian ministry dedicated to eliminating poverty housing. With its affiliates in 3,000-plus communities in 87 nations, Habitat has built more than 125,000 homes with partner families with no-profit, zero-interest mortgages. The new Global Village & Discovery Center attraction is funded separately from the home-building mission through designated gifts and contributions. The Global Village & Discovery Center at 601 W. Church St. will be open from 9 a.m. to dusk Monday through Saturday and from 1 p.m. to dusk on Sunday. Admission is by suggested donation of $5 for adults, $3 for students 6 and older and $4 for seniors. Special arrangements are available for groups and annual memberships. No donation is suggested for children under age 6. For more information, call 229-924-6935 or visit www.habitat.org. Media Contact: Jennie Hess 407-208-0791 jshess@mindspring.com Duane Bates 229-924-6935 ext. 2541 dbates@hfhi.org www.habitat.org/newsroom |
| Produced by Judi Janofsky, Rich Steck and the Golf Press Association |