Habitat for Humanity is in the business of building homes. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans is in the business of finance.

Both are nonprofit organizations, and both have affiliates in Moore County. They are teaming up to help a Sandhills family in need.

In 2006, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans decided to work with Habitat to sponsor the building of 317 homes in a program called Thrivent Builds. This year, it joined Habitat again to build a total of 355 homes in 48 states.

Moore County's Habitat affiliate and the Pines Thrivent chapter were awarded one of those houses. Houses were selected in areas where the Thrivent chapter was strong, and the Habitat affiliate was making a difference.

"Our Lutheran partners in the community have always been very supportive of our mission," said Elizabeth Cox, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Moore County. "The Thrivent Builds program is a wonderful program and we can't wait to get started. It is our hope that by bringing the community together around this house, we will not only be providing a local family with a home but also fostering a sense of community involvement for the people of the Sandhills."

Thrivent Financial for Lutherans is the main sponsor of the house, but the Pines Chapter and Habitat will also provide funds. Volunteers from all three organizations will join together to build the house. Because the main sponsor is a Lutheran organization, Lutherans must complete a certain amount of hours in the community but anyone is welcome to help.

"The five Lutheran churches of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Pines Chapter are elated about building a Habitat for Humanity home here in the Sandhills," said David Campbell, Pines Chapter Thrivent builds specialist.

The local Pines Chapter and their churches will provide volunteers and assist in funding the home,"

Thrivent Financial for Lutherans is a nonprofit, financial services organization with nearly 300 million members. Each year the Fortune 500 company sets aside $200 million for fraternal activities. It became Habitat for Humanity International's largest ally as a result of a four-year $105 million commitment to help increase the nonprofit housing ministry's home building production.

The Pines Chapter of Thrivent was founded four years and encompasses four counties: Moore, Montgomery, Richmond, and Scotland. The primary service of each Thrivent chapter is to provide service to their local community. The Pines Chapter has previously worked with Habitat for Humanity of Moore County on Join Hands Day.

Habitat for Humanity of Moore County is building 14 houses this year -- one is the Thrivent home, three are in Robbins and two are in Richmond County. Habitat for Humanity of Moore County is a nonprofit Christian organization that builds houses in partnership with those in need around the Sandhills.

Members from each organization can't wait to join together to help a neighbor. The Core family, residents of Moore County, are partnering with the three organizations to own a home in the Sandhills. The home will be built in the Roseland Farms neighborhood located off Roseland Road in Aberdeen.

The kickoff will be Feb. 10, 2007. Anyone needing more information can call the local Habitat office at 295--1934.

"This is a chance for Thrivent Financial for Lutheran's National Organization, the local Pines Chapter, Habitat for Humanity and the people of the Sandhills to shine," Campbell said.