MEMPHIS, Tenn., May 13, 2009 – Habitat for Humanity of Greater Memphis and Baptist Memorial Health Care today dedicated one of the larger Habitat house ever built in Memphis.

Lana White and her family will occupy the five-bedroom, two-bathroom home, located next to several other Habitat houses in Binghamton. White and her family worked alongside Baptist employees to build the home, which they will move into after the dedication ceremony. She also will pay a no-interest mortgage on the property.

“I am so emotional and so thankful to Baptist and Habitat for deciding to take my family from renters to first-time homeowners,” said White. “I’m truly grateful for all the work everyone did for my home.”

As the home’s exclusive sponsor, Baptist paid the entire $60,000 sponsorship, and Baptist employees worked all the 480 shifts required to complete the project, putting in more than 2,400 hours of labor. In addition, employees from a number of Baptist Memorial hospitals and departments joined forces to purchase housewarming gifts for the home, including groceries, toiletry items, bedding, towels and appliances.

“Our colleagues’ response to this project has been overwhelming and enthusiastic,” said Beverly Jordan, vice president and chief nursing officer for Baptist. “This is one of the most amazing efforts I’ve seen in my 32 years at Baptist.”

Habitat for Humanity is an international ecumenical Christian housing ministry that aims to eliminate substandard housing and make safe, healthy and affordable shelter for all people a matter of conscience and action. Since its founding in 1983, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Memphis has built 318 homes in partnership with Memphis-area families and businesses, faith-based organizations and individuals. For more information, please visit memphishabitat.com or call 761-4771.

One of the largest and top-rated integrated health networks in the country, Baptist Memorial Health Care comprises 15 hospitals in West Tennessee, North Mississippi and East Arkansas; more than 3,100 affiliated physicians; home, hospice and psychiatric care; minor medical centers; a network of surgery, rehabilitation and other outpatient centers; and an education system highlighted by the Baptist College of Health Sciences. In fiscal year 2008, Baptist provided $485 million in community benefit, and, according to a 2005 University of Memphis study, the organization had an economic impact of more than $2 billion on the communities it served in fiscal year 2004.

For more information about Baptist, please visit baptistonline.org or call 800-4-BAPTIST.

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