February 8, 2010
Koch Industries, Inc. is the first sponsor to step forward in support of Wichita Habitat
for Humanity’s Wonder Week 2010 project – a blitz build event that will result in construction of six
houses in just over a week.
The build is scheduled June 17-25. Koch Industries will contribute $60,000 to underwrite the direct
construction costs for one home, and employees of Koch companies will help build the home during this
exciting community event. This will be the fifth Habitat home sponsored by Koch companies in Kansas.
The local community is invited to join Koch Industries and Wichita Habitat for Humanity for this project
which will make affordable housing a reality for six local low-income families.
”Our company is pleased to partner with Habitat for Humanity on this ambitious project,” said Koch
Industries President Dave Robertson. “Our employees have been enthusiastic contributors to Habitat
projects in the past, and we are happy to help kick off this year’s remarkable Blitz Build effort.”
Linda Stewart, Wichita Habitat for Humanity Executive Director, said, “We are honored by Koch
Industries’ long-standing commitment to our mission and look forward to the company’s partnership for
this exciting event. Koch’s financial support and willingness to involve employees to help build a home is
a great example of strong community leadership. Additional house sponsorship opportunities and
matching funds are available for Wonder Week 2010 and our staff looks forward to working with the
community to develop suitable partnerships for this local project that will offer affordable homeownership
opportunities for local households.”
Wonder Week 2010 will celebrate Wichita Habitat for Humanity’s launch of a new neighborhood
development – Habitat’s South Village – in south Wichita. The project sits on nine acres of undeveloped
land on which will eventually be located 45 simple, decent and affordable Habitat homes. Wichita Habitat
for Humanity has privately raised the funds for the first phase of infrastructure improvements, which has
already begun. The first six homes of this project will be built as part of the Wonder Week 2010. Linda
Stewart commented, “We are excited to invest in this area of Wichita and look forward to transforming
undeveloped land into homes for deserving local families who will contribute to the local economy
through payment of property taxes and homeowner insurance premiums.”
Wichita Habitat for Humanity also proudly announces that the Blitz Home Builders – a group of dedicated
Habitat for Humanity volunteers from across the country – have selected Wonder Week as their 2010
project. Approximately 60-80 construction volunteers from coast to coast will pay their own travel and
accommodations to join the local affiliate for this project. Many Blitz Home Builder volunteers have years
of experience constructing Habitat homes and will provide leadership on the Wonder Week construction
site.
There are many opportunities for the community to be involved with Wonder Week 2010. Please Linda
Stewart at 269-0755 or by email linda@wichitahabitat.org for more information about sponsorship and
partnership opportunities. Additional information is available at www.wichitahabitat.org.
About Koch Industries
Based in Wichita, Kan., Koch Industries, Inc. (www.kochind.com) owns a diverse group of companies involved in refining and
chemicals; process and pollution control equipment and technologies; minerals; fertilizers; polymers and fibers; commodity
trading and services; and forest and consumer products. With 70,000 employees and a presence in nearly 60 countries, Koch
Industries is one of the largest private companies in America.
About Wichita Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity International is a non-profit ecumenical Christian housing ministry that welcomes to its work all people
dedicated to the cause of eliminating poverty housing. Since its founding in Americus, Ga., in 1976, Habitat has built more
than 350,000 houses in nearly 100 countries, providing simple, decent and affordable shelter for more than 1 million people.
Habitat homes are sold at no profit and purchased by low-income households through 20-year no-profit 0%-interest
mortgages. The local Wichita Habitat for Humanity affiliate was founded in 1986 and has built 120 homes including 3 in
Greensburg, KS and sponsored the construction of 66 international homes. The affiliate built 16 homes in 2009 and has
goals to build at least 18 in 2010. For more information, visit www.wichitahabitat.org.