Habitat for Humanity of Moore County has changed its name.

The local Habitat affiliate will now be known as Habitat for Humanity of the NC Sandhills. The Moore affiliate has expanded its service area to include Richmond County. With the new affiliation will come more opportunities to combine services and meet the needs for more families, the nonprofit group said in a news release.

Habitat for Humanity of the NC Sandhills has built 156 homes since 1988. Five homes have been built in Richmond County since 2005 when the Moore County affiliate agreed to take the neighboring county under its wing to save it from being closed by Habitat International. Affiliates are required to complete, on average, one home a year.

"As an organization, Habitat for Humanity is tremendously blessed by a clear mission, dedicated partners and a well-established name," Habitat Executive Director Elizabeth Cox said. "One thing won't change, though, the mission. Building simple, decent houses in partnership with families desperately in need remains our No. 1 commitment."

"The new name symbolizes the community spirit of neighbors helping neighbors," said Amanda Jakl, Habitat's communications coordinator. "Our emphasis is always people helping people and together we'll be able to reach out to many more families in need.

"The adoption of the new name is an important decision. It is a way to become a stronger, more unified and collaborative organization."

Habitat for Humanity of the NC Sandhills was founded in 1988 by an interdenominational group concerned about substandard housing, and it exists to serve Moore and Richmond Counties citizens living at 60 percent or less of median income who need suitable housing.

Habitat is a Christian ministry with an ecumenical bent and an interfaith focus. Habitat not only builds its houses with the potential homeowners and hundreds of volunteers, but also provides 20- or 25-five year mortgages for the families, with no interest. The services are available to people of all races and faiths, as well as to people who profess no religious faith. Habitat homeowners paid more than $80,000 in income taxes.

Anyone needing more information or who would like to get involved with Habitat for Humanity can contact Jakl at (910) 334-1162 or 295-1934. Habitat is currently seeking volunteers and supporters of all kinds.

Information is also available on its Web site at www.sandhillshabitat.org.