Habitat for Humanity builds affordable homes by recycling cars

Putnam County Habitat for Humanity is celebrating Earth Day 2009 by recycling donated cars to help build homes in partnership with low-income families in need of housing.

Habitat's Cars for Homes accepts donated cars, trucks, boats, motorcycles and other vehicles and sells them through automobile auctions, recyclers or salvage yards to raise funds that help build simple, decent homes. Funds generated from vehicle sales benefit Putnam County Habitat for Humanity and local families.

"In celebration of Earth Day (Wednesday), we are inviting supporters to help eliminate substandard housing and homelessness by recycling their old vehicles," said Marcia Rundle, director of Habitat's Cars for Homes. "The proceeds from car donations help purchase building materials and result in homes built in partnership with families in need of decent shelter."

Approximately 75 percent of car's contents can be recycled. Every year, roughly 14 million cars, trucks, motorcycles, boats, snowmobiles, trailers and recreational vehicles find new life as recycled material.

Donors can call Habitat for Humanity's Cars for Homes toll-free number or process donations online. Donor contact, title and vehicle information is collected and, upon acceptance, arrangements are made for the vehicle to picked up for processing.

Habitat for Humanity receives between 75 to 80 percent of the sale proceeds after towing fees and other expenses. Donors receive an acknowledgement letter for their car donation and can check with the Internal Revenue Service or a tax advisor for information on the deductibility of the donation.

For more information on Cars for Homes or to make a donation, call 1-877-277-HFHI (4344) or visit www.carsforhomes.org