Habitat for Humanity International, Americus, Ga., announced the premier sponsors of its Jimmy Carter Work Project in Michigan, June 19-24, 2005. Whirlpool Corp., Masco Corp., The Dow Chemical Co., Lowe's, Great Lakes Capital Fund and the Michigan State Housing Development Authority are all partnering with Habitat for Humanity by helping address the need for safe, affordable housing for families in Michigan.

Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm will serve as JCWP 2005 honorary chair along with co-chairs Jeff Fettig, chairman of the board and CEO of Whirlpool Corp.; and Alan Barry, president and chief operating officer of Masco. JCWP 2005 will also receive support from corporate representatives Larry Washington, corporate vice president of public affairs at The Dow Chemical Co.; Larry Stone, chairman of Lowe's Charitable and Educational Foundation; Mark McDaniel, president and CEO, Great Lakes Capital Fund; and Rick Laber, acting executive director, MSHDA.

These sponsors will not only contribute funds and volunteers representing more than 20 percent of the total Habitat homes built across Michigan during JCWP, they will also lead the charge to get even more companies, organizations and individuals involved in Habitat's biggest annual event.

In 1984, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, joined with Habitat for Humanity to launch the Jimmy Carter Work Project, a weeklong "blitz build." Over the years, the work project has been held in many cities across the United States, such as Anniston, Ala., and LaGrange and Valdosta, Ga., last year; and overseas in Korea, the Philippines, and this year, in Mexico.