Jan. 13, 2005

Putnam Savings Bank Establishes Tsunami Relief Fund
Return to News Releases

January 13, 2005: Putnam Savings Bank has created a fund for the victims of the tsunami-earthquake catastrophe that struck Southeast Asia in late December. They have chosen Habitat for Humanity International as the charitable agency to receive the funds. President George W. Bush has named Habitat for Humanity International as an approved tsunami aid agency.

The Board of Directors of Putnam Savings Bank established the fund with a $1,000 contribution from the Bank. Tax deductible contributions may be made at any Putnam Savings Bank branch office through February 28, 2005. Checks should be made payable to 'Habitat for Humanity International'.

"While there are many, many worthwhile organizations that are providing aid to the tsunami victims, we chose Habitat for Humanity International," said President Bob Cocks. "We believe that providing housing is one of the most critical steps in enabling the people of Southeast Asia to rebuild their lives. Habitat for Humanity has the experience and resources to accomplish this staggering task quickly and efficiently."

Habitat for Humanity offices in four of the principal countries affected by the devastating earthquake-triggered tsunami - Sri Lanka, India, Indonesia and Thailand - are putting together plans that could house up to as many as 25,000 families in a first phase of transitional housing as it works to provide permanent housing solutions. Groundbreaking on the homes is expected to begin soon.

Habitat's goal is to help families move out of the camps into transitional accommodations as a first step to permanent housing. Due to overcrowding, hunger, disease and crime in many camps, authorities are encouraging families to return to their communities to start rebuilding their shattered lives. Habitat officials estimate that for as little as $200 per displaced person, they can move a family of five out of a camp and into permanent housing.

Habitat for Humanity International, based in Americus, Georgia, is an ecumenical Christian ministry dedicated to eliminating poverty housing. By the end of 2005, Habitat will have built its 200,000th house and more than one million people will be living in Habitat homes they helped build. For more information about Habitat, visit their web site at www.habitat.org.