FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 12, 2006

Contacts:
Elissa Morrash - Christopherson Homes
707.360.6193 or Click Here to E-mail Elissa Morrash

Amy Lemmer - Habitat for Humanity of Sonoma County
707-578-7707 X 111 or Click Here to E-mail Amy Lemmer

SANTA ROSA, Ca, May 12, 2006 When Sentome Clayton smiles, the world lights up. Very soon, there will be a lot smile about. She and her partner, Ralph Thurston, are about to become new homeowners, thanks to the Habitat-Home Builders Blitz 2006.

Habitat for Humanity of Sonoma County and Christopherson Homes and their trade partners are participating in the Habitat-Home Builders Blitz 2006, a nationwide effort that will result in 1000 home builders working with local Habitat affiliates to build more than 500 homes in just 5 days from June 5-9.

Locally, Habitat, Christopherson Homes and their trade partners will build a "green-built" home located near Sebastopol Road and West Street in Santa Rosa. Work starts early on Monday morning, June 5 and the home will be completed on Friday, June 9.

Receiving the news that they will become Habitat-Christopherson Homeowners was a dream come true for Sentome (pronounced Sen-toh-may) and Ralph. This is a family who has not had many breaks in life, yet they continue to have a positive attitude and refuse to be discouraged. Sentome, who will turn 21 in June, works a full time job during the day and attended night school to further her professional skills. “My work days are long but I love my job,“ said Sentome, whose good work ethics and capabilities have come to the notice of her boss. “I would like to be a manager some day and I plan to work as much as I need to make that happen." Sentome is not all about just work, however, “I love to cook and bake and garden. You should taste my chocolate cake! I’m looking forward to the day when I can do these things in my own home.“

Sentome’s partner, Ralph Thurston, works very hard as a tile setter to support his family. “In some ways, I feel lucky. I love working with tile and I’m good at it," said Ralph. “I think there will be a big demand for this skill and I plan to learn as much as I can on the job." The couple and their little boy share an apartment with Ralph’s younger brother, Jered, who works at Lowe’s.

Their current living situation would challenge most people. All four live in a small, poorly lit and ventilated studio apartment that is infested with mold. The appliances don’t work and it’s so dark most of the time, it’s hard to see inside. And the rent is not cheap.

Sentome and Ralph had to meet rigorous requirements in order to be approved for a home by the Habitat for Humanity of Sonoma County Board of Directors. To qualify, Sentome and Ralph have worked consistently for several years to build up 500 hours of “sweat equity" by helping build Habitat homes for others. They also had to demonstrate an ability to pay their mortgage – this is not a home giveaway program.

The dream of a secure and stable home environment will soon become a reality for Sentome, Ralph and their family and they are excited to begin meeting their home ownership responsibilities. They know that every hour of work and dedication from Habitat for Humanity volunteers means they are getting closer to fulfilling their dream of a decent and affordable home.

“One of the privileges of being involved in the home building industry is the opportunity to give back to our community," said Bob Ragle, Vice President of Land Acquisition and member of the Habitat for Humanity of Sonoma County Board of Directors. “While building a home in five days may seem daunting to some, we know we can do it. People can do great things if we work together."

Working together is what it’s about. Christopherson Homes has designated one of its best construction superintendents, John “Big Dog" Mathews, as the project leader, responsible for building the house in an unprecedented five days. Hundreds of Christopherson Homes’ trade partners have stepped up to donate cash, services, materials and labor to make this project work. “I love having the chance to work on this project,“ said Big Dog. “And all of our trade partners have been fantastic. We have a great team. I know we will build a quality home that this family will love.“ While all the focus will soon be on building the house, Big Dog and his team have been busy for the past several months, meeting regularly, inspecting the site and doing all the upfront work necessary to make the project work.

The Habitat for Humanity-Christopherson Home homebuilding project will start on Monday June 5 and the home will be finished at the end of the day on Friday, June 9. A dedication is planned for Saturday, June 10 at 10 am when the keys to the new home will be given to Sentome and Ralph. Supporters of Habitat and the public are invited to the dedication to help make this a truly memorable experience for this deserving family.

Thanks to Christopherson Homes Trade Partners
Thanks to all of our generous trade partners and suppliers who have provided labor, materials and cash to make the Clayton-Thurston home a reality. Please check back – we’re finalizing the complete list of trade partners and it will be posted shortly.

About the Builder Blitz
The nationwide Habitat-Builder Blitz will happen during the week of June 5-9, 2006, when 1000 home builders will build more than 500 Habitat homes in 160 communities in just five days. According to Habitat for Humanity, homebuilders and their associates are challenged to fully accomplish the building of home in five days, working their subcontractors and suppliers to deliver the house at no cost to Habitat. For more information, go to www.

About Habitat for Humanity of Sonoma County
Habitat for Humanity of Sonoma County (HFHSC)is a faith based organization and welcomes volunteers from all walks of life who are committed to Habitat's goal of eliminating poverty housing. Homes are sold with no profit made. Homeowners contribute "Sweat Equity" and house payments are recycled to build additional homes.

For further information about Habitat for Humanity of Sonoma County (HFHSC) and how you can support their local efforts, go to www.sonomacountyhabitat.org or call the HFHSC office at (707) 578-7707.

About Christopherson Homes
Established in 1978, Christopherson Homes is a family owned company with a central support office in Santa Rosa and two regional offices and design centers in Santa Rosa and Sacramento. Christopherson Homes has built more than 5,000 homes in nearly 50 communities throughout Sonoma, Napa, Solano and Sacramento Counties.

Headquartered in Santa Rosa, Calif., Christopherson Homes has received numerous industry and community awards, and is known for its support to community projects for those in need. On the net: www.ChristophersonHomes.com