COSTA MESA, Calif., March 1, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- James Hardie Building Products, the world leader in fiber-cement technology, recently installed both its Hardiplank and Harditrim siding products as part of the renovation of the Women's Shelter at the historic New Orleans Rescue Mission. The shelter, which suffered severe damage during Hurricane Katrina, is close to completing a significant renovation milestone by HomeAid, the country's leading non-profit developer of transitional housing, in partnership with Ameriquest Mortgage Company, its affiliates and an impressive list of building industry partners. The 4,000-square-foot structure, located a quarter-mile southeast of the Louisiana Superdome at 1130 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd, is set to re-open on March 1 in time to mark the 6-month anniversary of the devastating hurricane. The shelter will house single women who were evacuated from their homes in its aftermath.
Both James Hardie's Hardiplank and Harditrim products were specifically selected for this project because of their durability, as well as strength and thickness, which provide impact resistance from hurricane winds.
"It is very important for this project that we use only the finest building materials. We expect this building to be a long-term asset for the New Orleans community, initially housing hurricane evacuees and, eventually, serving the temporarily homeless population in the city. As such, we needed to ensure that it will maintain both its quality and its beauty for many, many years," said Genette Eaton, chief executive officer of HomeAid. "Thanks to James Hardie's generous donation, we are confident that this facility will withstand the unpredictable forces of Mother Nature for decades to come."
The Hardiplank and Harditrim products, which have a 50-year limited transferable warranty, do not warp, crack, rot or delaminate, and hold paint 3-to-4 times longer than wood. The products will resist damage from termites, which is a significant issue in the New Orleans area.
"We are very excited to join HomeAid in its efforts to respond to the housing crisis brought on by the Gulf Coast hurricanes," said Ray Hendron, Sales Representative at James Hardie Building Products. "As a committed supporter of HomeAid's mission, we value the importance of these kinds of housing projects and believe that the addition of our siding will not only help the good people at the Rescue Mission to house evacuees in need, but it also helps protect this historic structure during future hurricanes."
The Rescue Mission, which sits on a three-acre site featuring multiple buildings to house women and families, will be HomeAid's first completed Gulf Coast rebuilding project, with more than five others currently planned or under construction. These projects, funded by a $3 million donation from Ameriquest Mortgage and its affiliates, will house individuals and families for six months to one year while they go through the difficult process of rebuilding their lives. HomeAid and Ameriquest announced plans to jointly establish the Gulf Coast Rebuilding Fund in September 2005 to respond to the housing crisis resulting from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
Other companies and associations who have contributed to the New Orleans Rescue Mission Women's Shelter renovation include Olde World Builders & Remodelers, LLC, Home Builders Association of Greater New Orleans, Georgia-Pacific Corporation, Pella Corporation, and CalPASC.
In addition, Shea Homes, Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc., MBK Homes, Taylor Woodrow Homes, Crestwood Communities, Homestore.com, Suncoast Post-Tension, Goodman Manufacturing, David Weekley Homes, Tilson Home Corporation, Doyle Stuckey Homes, Green Mountain Homes, Bassenian/Lagoni Architects, Masco Foundation and OC Foundation have also donated to HomeAid's Gulf Coast Rebuilding Fund and their contributions will be instrumental with other rebuilding efforts in 2006.
"The devastation caused by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita is overwhelming. If not for the generous support of companies like James Hardie and Ameriquest, in addition to many other HomeAid partners, we would not be able to rebuild the housing that is so desperately needed for evacuees," said Eaton.
For more information, or to make a donation to HomeAid's Gulf Coast Rebuilding Fund, visit www.homeaid.org. Contributions can also be sent to HomeAid Gulf Coast Rebuilding Fund, 3919 Westerly Place, Suite 200, Newport Beach, CA 92660.
About James Hardie
Builders along hurricane-prone coastlines recommend James Hardie(r) siding, trim and soffit products for their proven performance against vinyl and brick veneer exteriors. When installed properly, James Hardie exterior products are strong enough to withstand hurricane-force winds of up to 130 mph and are in compliance with the High Velocity Hurricane Zone requirements for Miami-Dade County, Florida Building Code. For details regarding proper installation practices, visit jameshardie.com.
About HomeAid
HomeAid is the nation's largest builder of housing for the temporary homeless and has helped more than 60,000 men, women and children. With the mission of building dignified housing where homeless families and individuals can rebuild their lives, HomeAid has locations in 17 markets within 11 states, has completed 117 housing projects nationwide with another 55 projects currently in development, and manages a combined finance/construction assets exceeding $111 million. HomeAid was established in 1989 as a non-profit organization by the Building Industry Association of Southern California, an affiliate of the National Association of Home Builders. For more information call 949-258-0850 or visit www.homeaid.org.
The HomeAid logo is available at: http://www.primezone.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=2388