COSTA MESA, Calif., Sept. 10, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- The Association for Women in Technology, Southern California (AWT), today announced continued support for Habitat for Humanity Orange County's (HfHOC) Technology Project through participation in a Habitat Building Day on September 13, 2004. AWT volunteers and members will participate in the actual building of six homes in the City of Costa Mesa by rolling up their sleeves, putting on hard hats and contributing physical labor. By providing hands-on building support, AWT maintains its commitment to the Technology Project, helping the Orange County chapter complete the first-ever Habitat neighborhood that is equipped with computers and Internet access.
"AWT remains dedicated to improving our community and supporting Orange County's hard-working, low-income families," said Cynthia Cotteta, president of AWT. "We believe in the importance of empowering these families with technology to help them compete in today's workforce and schools."
AWT began its involvement with HfHOC's Technology Project last December through its participation in the Holiday Event and Annual Roundup of Technologists (H.E.A.R.T.), a fundraiser to support the implementation of technology to benefit the region's underserved communities. AWT, along with nine other local organizations, raised over $9,000 for HfHOC's Technology Project. The project combines HfHOC's mission to provide affordable housing options to very low-income residents with increased access to basic technology instruction, technology-based work experience, online employment services and more. With the help of volunteers like AWT and the other H.E.A.R.T. associations, HfHOC rehabilitated blighted land, transforming existing structures that contained hazardous building materials into six safe homes for local, low-income families in need. HfHOC broke ground on the Technology Project in Costa Mesa on January 11, 2003.
"The money raised by H.E.A.R.T. was an enormous help and an integral part in making the Technology Project a reality," said Pete Major, chief executive officer of Habitat for Humanity Orange County. "We are thrilled that groups like AWT are willing to contribute not only monetary resources, but time, talent and hands-on support as well."
Sponsors of HfHOC's Technology Project include Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic Church, Santa Margarita Catholic High School, Experian, First Team Real Estate Company, New Century Financial Corporation, Home Depot, St. Paul Companies, Centex Homes, State Street, Allergan, Boeing, Change a Life Foundation, Lund Foundation, Fieldstone, and members of the Orange County Technology Collective. In addition, Aliso Viejo-based Smith Micro Software, Inc. is donating fax software, Irvine-based D-Link Systems, Inc. is donating wireless routers.
For more information, or to get involved in HfHOC's Technology Project, please contact Michelle Spence at (714) 825-8870.
About Habitat for Humanity of Orange County Inc.
Habitat for Humanity of Orange County (HfHOC) uses non-government donations of funding, materials, professional services and volunteer labor to build simple, decent homes which are sold to qualified very low-income families for a one percent down payment and a zero-interest mortgage. Habitat families contribute 500 hours of "sweat equity" to the program by building their own home, helping another Habitat family build its home, or working in some other area of the Habitat organization. Habitat for Humanity has built 99 homes in Orange County since 1988.
About Orange County Technology Collective
The Orange County Technology Collective is a council of leading not for profit technology associations leveraging the power of its members to spearhead charitable programs that accelerate broader access to technology across all social and economic groups. Its representatives include members of the American Electronics Association (AeA), Association for Internet Professionals (AIP-OC), Association for Women in Technology (AWT), Digital Coast Roundtable (DCR), Forum for Women Entrepreneurs (FWE), Society for Internet Advancement (SIA-OC), Software Council of Southern California (SCSC), Southern California Venture Network (SCVN), Tech Coast Venture Network (TCVN) and Venture Point Tech Coast (SBDC). For more information about the OC Tech Collective and H.E.A.R.T., please visit www.avalonmedia.com/heart.htm.
About the Association for Women in Technology
The Association for Women in Technology, Southern California is a local non-profit organization dedicated to serving the advancement of women and girls in all fields of technology. As a dynamic organization for learning, entrepreneurship and mentorship opportunities, AWT bridges the gap between industry, education and community institutions and continues to strengthen the fabric of the Southern California technology region. The organization holds meetings and events on a regular basis, attracting women in every area of technology, from those just entering the field to senior level management and technology innovators. To learn more about AWT, please visit the group's website at www.awtsocal.org.