Richmond, Virginia --Cessie Howell, Amy Frederick, Rose Ann Janis and Abby Shannon don’t live in the shadows of their husbands’ notoriety. On February 13, 2006 at 8:00 AM, a press conference will be held at The Capitol in House Room 1 announcing their commitment to build a home for a family in 2007.

Amy Frederick, wife of Delegate Jeff Frederick, is spearheading the event. Frederick says, "Families need homes, and no group does a better job than Habitat in empowering low-income families to break the cycle of poverty by leading them to home ownership. This is a great opportunity for us to give back to the community that hosts our spouses each year during the General Assembly session, and to honor the Capitol City of our great Commonwealth."

These women are determined to raise the $50,000 necessary for a Habitat home. They will use 2006 to begin their fundraising efforts for the home they plan to build with Richmond Habitat in 2007.

Kathy Garvin, Executive Director of Richmond Habitat, says, “It feels great to know that an organization that focuses on providing housing for low-income families is supported by diverse groups, from major corporations and religious congregations, to statewide leaders such as the spouses of members of the House of Delegates. Richmond Habitat’s mission of eliminating substandard housing seems to effortlessly bring people together. Richmond Habitat staff can’t wait to partner with these women who want to help change the housing trends of local families.”

Media interested in attending should contact Tasha Chambers, Community Relations Coordinator at 232-7001 or tasha@richmonhabitat.org.

For more information on Richmond Habitat visit www.richmondhabitat.org.

Richmond Habitat changes lives by making it possible for families to realize the dream of homeownership. We join forces with Richmond area, low-income working families, local companies and volunteers to build decent, modest homes that families can afford to buy through interest free mortgages we provide. We are a hand-up, not a handout.