4.05.2006 ET

(CSRwire) MIDLAND, MI - With the help of The Dow Chemical Company, Habitat for Humanity International announced the successful completion of its five-year campaign to build 100,000 homes between 2000 and 2005, effectively doubling the building capacity of the organization's first 25 years, and to raise $500 million to achieve this goal. Dow has been instrumental in the campaign's success through its $9.4 million commitment to Habitat.

"More than Houses has greatly advanced our ability to serve more families around the world," said Jonathan Reckford, Habitat's chief executive officer. "Without the resources from the campaign, we would never have been able to expand this ministry as quickly."

Habitat for Humanity reached its house-building goal in August 2005 when it completed its 200,000th home in Knoxville, Tenn., and then minutes later completed its 200,001st home in Kanyakumari, India. Over the course of the campaign, Habitat sought to raise $500 million to accomplish its goals. As of December 31, 2005, the campaign had raised more than $593 million.

Dow has been a leader in the effort to raise human and financial capital and increase capacity for Habitat's mission through its commitment of $9.4 million to the campaign. Dow has been involved with Habitat's work since the 1980's, providing product donations of STYROFOAM™ extruded polystyrene insulation, providing public visibility for Habitat programs and employee volunteer work crews at builds around the world.

"From traditional builds to disaster relief efforts in south Asia, we're proud of Habitat's work and the partnership we've developed over the past two decades," says Bo Miller, president and executive director of The Dow Chemical Company Foundation.

While Habitat's traditional grassroots fund-raising efforts remains vital to Habitat's success, the More Than Houses campaign helped engage generous partners like Dow to extend the reach of the organization's mission and house more low-income families around the world.

Established in 1979, The Dow Chemical Company Foundation serves Dow's philanthropic needs by providing charitable gifts - primarily in the areas of economic development, environmental stewardship, social support and science education - to eligible non-profit organizations in the communities in which Dow operates.

About The Dow Chemical Company
Dow is a diversified chemical company that harnesses the power of science and technology to improve living daily. The Company offers a broad range of innovative products and services to customers in more than 175 countries, helping them to provide everything from fresh water, food and pharmaceuticals to paints, packaging and personal care products. Built on a commitment to its principles of sustainability, Dow has annual sales of $46 billion and employs 42,000 people worldwide. 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.

About Habitat for Humanity International Habitat for Humanity International, based in Americus, Georgia, is an ecumenical Christian ministry that welcomes to its work all people dedicated to the cause of eliminating poverty housing. Since 1976, Habitat has built more than 200,000 houses in nearly 100 countries, providing simple, decent and affordable shelter for more than one million people. For more information, visit www.habitat.org.

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