5.06.2008 - 09:24am ET

(CSRwire) MIDLAND, Mich. (April 30, 2008) - Dow Chemical (NYSE: DOW) joins former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, to support Habitat for Humanity's 25th annual Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project (JRCWP) in the Gulf Coast May 11-16, 2008. The five-day event will serve to construct and rehabilitate 60 houses and frame up to 48 more in the host cities of Biloxi, Gulfport and Pascagoula, Mississippi.

To help raise awareness of the ongoing recovery efforts taking place along the Gulf Coast, many of the surrounding states will also participate in this year's JRCWP , hosting their own local building projects across Louisiana, Texas and Alabama. In total, more than 250 houses will be built or rehabilitated by the end of the year as part of Habitat for Humanity’s 2008 Carter Work Project.

"We are extremely proud to support President Carter and Rosalynn in this 25th year of their unique commitment to Habitat for Humanity," said Dave Kepler, executive vice president and chief sustainability officer for The Dow Chemical Company.

Dow will provide monetary and product support towards the homes, including energy efficient technologies that will mean lower utility bills for the new home owners. Products donated include STYROFOAM™ Insulation, WEATHERMATE™ Housewraps and SAFETOUCH™ Fiberglass-Free Insulation, which, when combined, will reduce natural gas used for heating by more than 23 percent and decrease electricity costs by some 30 percent.

Hurricanes Katrina and Rita destroyed or damaged more than half-a-million houses along the Gulf Coast. This year's JRCWP will call attention to the ongoing need for affordable housing in the Gulf. To date, Habitat for Humanity's Gulf Coast Recovery program has completed or begun construction on more than 1,300 houses.

Dow & Habitat for Humanity

This year, Dow and Habitat for Humanity will celebrate 25 years of home building together, including annual support for the Carter Work Projects. Dow lends support to Habitat in many ways, including funding, product donation, and employee volunteer time at builds around the world. Along with continued Habitat contributions, Dow provided $2 million to the American Red Cross to help rebuild Louisiana after the devastation of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The company has also partnered with key organizations in the Gulf Coast to help rebuild 200,000 destroyed homes.

About Dow

With annual sales of $54 billion and 46,000 employees worldwide, Dow is a diversified chemical company that combines the power of science and technology with the "Human Element" to constantly improve what is essential to human progress. The company delivers a broad range of products and services to customers in around 160 countries, connecting chemistry and innovation with the principles of sustainability to help provide everything from fresh water, food and pharmaceuticals to paints, packaging and personal care products. References to "Dow" or the "Company" mean The Dow Chemical Company and its consolidated subsidiaries unless otherwise expressly noted. More information about Dow can be found at www.dow.com. For more information about Dow Building Solutions, visit: www.insulateyourhome.com.

25 Years of Building with the Carters

The Carters have been helping Habitat to raise awareness about the need for affordable housing since 1984 when they helped renovate a six-story apartment building for 19 families. A quarter of a century later, that modest effort has grown into an internationally recognized annual event that has taken place in communities around the world. Previous Carter Project events have been held in Los Angeles, Michigan, New York City, Hungary, the Philippines, South Korea and South Africa.

About Habitat for Humanity of the Mississippi Gulf Coast

Habitat for Humanity of the MS Gulf Coast (HFHMGC) serves Harrison, Jackson and Stone counties. Since Katrina, HFHMGC has completed and started construction on 170 homes. HFHMGC believes every family deserves a 'place they can call home', and as such they are committed to providing the Mississippi Gulf Coast with clean, decent affordable and safe homes. While eradication of poverty housing is a challenge in all locations, it is particularly challenging in the light of hurricane Katrina. For more information on HFHMGC and how to volunteer or donate, go to www.hfhmgc.org.

About Habitat for Humanity International

Habitat for Humanity International is an ecumenical Christian ministry that welcomes to its work all people dedicated to the cause of eliminating poverty housing. Since its founding in 1976, Habitat has built more than 250,000 houses worldwide, providing simple, decent and affordable shelter for more than 1 million people. For more information, visit www.habitat.org.

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