Washington, D.C.--Representative Frank Lucas announced that he will team up with Central Oklahoma Habitat for Humanity to build a home for a deserving family starting this Saturday, June 6. Lucas is participating in the "House That Congress Built," a national public-private effort to build quality, affordable homes for qualified families in every congressional district across the United States during National Homeownership Week (June 6-13, 1998).

Working in cooperation with Central Oklahoma Habitat for Humanity and other local sponsors, Lucas will work with a local family and other volunteers as they construct a new home at 426 SE 19 (southwest corner of SE 19 and Byers). Thus far, over 330 Members of Congress -- Republicans and Democrats -- are embarking on this project with the help of local Habitat for Humanity offices and the National Partnership in Homeownership, a public-private partnership working to increase homeownership opportunities in the United States.

"This is the beginning of a new and unique partnership that will result in a new home for a hard-working and deserving low-income family in our community," Lucas said. AEveryone in the United States should have a decent home in which to live. With the active support of local business and civic leaders, as well as volunteers, we are making the dream of home ownership a reality for a deserving local family.

"But, Habitat does not give away these homes," Lucas continued. "The recipient family will help build their home, and then purchase the home. It is a hand-up, not a hand-out.

"I thank a host of local businesses and individuals who have very generously financed this effort, and the volunteers who are banding together to raise the walls on this home."

Lucas will join with Central Oklahoma Habitat for Humanity, Koch Industries, who put forth a substantial challenge grant for the construction of the house, and the Sonya Whitfield family -- who will live in the new home -- on Saturday morning at 9:00 to raise the frame for the Central Oklahoma "House That Congress Built."

For more information on The House That Congress Built, as well as the supporters and recipients of this program, contact Central Oklahoma Habitat for Humanity at 524-7151.