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Saturday, August 29, at 10 a.m. Sacramento Habitat for Humanity and Sacramento community members will gather to dedicate the Thor family home at 2954 Connie Drive in Sacramento. The Thor family has put in 500 hours of sweat equity alongside community volunteers and other Habitat families. The Thor family home was made possible by a $75,000 sponsorship from the California State Employees Charitable Campaign. This simple, decent home includes environmentally friendly, money saving solar panels thanks to a grant from PG&E.

Habitat for Humanity serves families earning 30 percent – 50 percent of the Sacramento County area median income. According to the 2000 US Census Bureau, in Sacramento County there are more than 30,000 families in this income range who are also living in overcrowded or sub-standard conditions. The typical Habitat partner family’s annual income ranges from $22,000 – $36,000 for a family of four. Since 1985, Sacramento Habitat for Humanity has changed lives by providing families with decent, affordable housing in a safe environment to grow and thrive.

“Life is better here for our children, they have education, a home and freedom,” said Julie Thor, homeowner. Peter Thor works for Alamo Rental Car and his wife Julie works at Marshall Adult School assisting other refugees in finding jobs.

The close knit Thor family consists of two parents, six sons, one daughter and an Aunt. This family of 10 currently lives in an overcrowded 2 bedroom, 1 bath home in Oak Park. Peter and Julie Thor were both born in Laos to farming families and both of their fathers were recruited by the CIA to fight on behalf of the United States during the Vietnam War. When the war ended their parents were in fear of retaliation by the reigning government, and moved into refugee camps in Thailand. Peter and Julie were children when they arrived in the camps and lived there for over 13 years. They met in the refugee camp, got married and had their first three children there before immigrating to the United States 12 years ago.

“The Thor home brings us close to the 200th home completed for our Sacramento affiliate,” said Ken Cross, CEO of Sacramento Habitat for Humanity. Although we are proud of this accomplishment, it is not about how many homes we build, our mission is about keeping hope alive and fulfilling the dream of homeownership for low income families.”

About Sacramento Habitat for Humanity
Established in 1985, Sacramento Habitat for Humanity (SHfH) is a 501c3 non profit local affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International. SHfH’s mission is to build decent affordable homes in partnership with families in need, supported locally by volunteers, faith based-organizations, individual donors and corporations for the betterment of our community.