Building industry and construction professionals in 35 states across the U.S. have partnered with Habitat for Humanity to help build, renovate and repair more than 250 homes in more than 80 communities in one week through the organization's Home Builders Blitz program.

"Many of Habitat's most prolific supporters have come from the building community whose members understand the importance of creating strong communities," said Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International. "We are incredibly grateful that so many home builders choose to give of their time, talent and resources to help build hope in the lives of families in need of decent shelter."

Habitat's Home Builders Blitz is a partnership between Habitat affiliates and the building community to build and renovate homes across the nation. Builders and Habitat affiliates work closely to organize all aspects of building, including securing subcontractors and suppliers, fundraising and seeking donations of materials.  

Helping launch the event from Jacksonville, Florida, Steve Thomas, Emmy Award-winning former host of "This Old House" and "Renovation Nation," will help raise awareness of the event, traveling to Habitat's Home Builders Blitz work sites to discuss how building professionals are taking an active role in helping to address the affordable housing needs of their communities.

"As home builders, we are uniquely skilled to help groups like Habitat transform blighted and depressed neighborhoods into vibrant, healthy communities," said Thomas. "If you and your company want to make the maximum difference doing what you do best please come and join us in the Home Builders Blitz."

Habitat launched its first Home Builders Blitz in 2006, four years after Habitat for Humanity Wake County (N.C.) and local builder Tom Gipson recruited 12 home builders to donate their time to each build a house in five days. To date, nearly 1,100 homes have been constructed under the Home Builders Blitz model.

"Habitat's Homebuilder Blitz provides a unique opportunity for homebuilders and their trade partners to make a significant contribution to their communities and in the process provide hope to families seeking affordable and decent homes," said Gipson.

Habitat for Humanity would like to thank the building professionals and the following sponsors for their help in making this year's Home Builders Blitz possible: BigRentz.com, Bsafe, Columbia Forest Products, Delta Faucet, Dow, GAF, Gildan, Tom Gipson, Hunter Douglas, Irwin Tools, KraftMaid, Larson Manufacturing, Lowe's, MaxLite, Masco Corporation, Panasonic Ventilation, Royal Building Products, Schneider Electric, Valspar, Whirlpool Home Appliances and Yale Lock & Hardware.