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Up to 78 people will earn the chance to rappel down the iconic Bank of America building while raising funds for affordable homeownership.

[Spokane, WA]: The affordable housing crisis is forcing homebuyers and housing nonprofits alike to get creative. Habitat for Humanity is raising funds for affordable homeownership by thinking way outside of the box. Spokane families have been on the edge of this housing emergency, and Habitat for Humanity invites you to “go over the edge” on Saturday, May 14, to meet the growing list of our neighbors in need.

Partnering with Over the Edge Global for a second year, participants will rappel down the side of the 288-foot Bank of America Building in downtown Spokane while raising money to help build affordable houses for 70 families currently in Habitat’s Homeownership Program.

The fundraising campaign comes when housing costs are spiking, and the demand for safe and affordable places to live has increased dramatically in Spokane.

“In Habitat-Spokane’s history [35 years], we’ve never had this many families in our homeownership program at once,” said Michelle Girardot, Habitat for Humanity-Spokane’s CEO. “The overwhelming increase is evidence that Spokane families are really struggling in the current housing market. Habitat is determined to meet the growing need and remain a beacon of hope for those in need of a safe and decent home they can afford.”

The nonprofit has set a goal to raise $120,000 to offset the cost of new construction and help pay for revitalizing derelict homes throughout the city.

Due to the rise in building material costs and land values, the median home price in Spokane is $430,000, squeezing low to moderate-income buyers out of the market completely. But Habitat’s financing model coupled with permanent affordability allows those earning below 80% of the area median income a shot at safe, decent, and affordable housing.

On Saturday, May 14, from 9 am – 4 pm, Over the Edge can be watched from the street by spectators and passers-by but will also be live-streamed online so the public can watch the rappelers descend without having to gather downtown.

Spots are limited, but there is still time to register! Registration is $50 and goes towards the fundraising minimum of $1,000 – participants will have until June 11 to raise the funds.

For more information, to register, to donate, or for sponsorship information:

Thank you to this year’s sponsors that made Over the Edge possible:

Sponsors: Integrus Architecture, Inlander, Inland Power, Redstone Group, Spokane Hardware Supply

Those interested in volunteering or finding out more about Habitat for Humanity-Spokane’s homeownership program can visit habitat-spokane.org or call at 509-534-2552.


Empowering families to help themselves

Habitat for Humanity is a partnership — families buy the houses that Habitat builds and renovates.

Families that partner with Habitat-Spokane work hard to build a better life for themselves – and their children. Partner families spend 250 hours helping build their own homes and take financial education classes (provided for free by Habitat) where they learn how to improve their credit, pay off debt, and save money. When they have completed all the program requirements, they purchase their Habitat home at an affordable price – mortgage payments are never more than 30% of their income.

ABOUT HABITAT FOR HUMANITY-SPOKANE:

Driven by the vision that everyone needs a decent place to live, Habitat for Humanity-Spokane began in 1987. Habitat-Spokane aims to put God’s love into action and brings people together to build homes, communities, and hope. Families and individuals in need of a hand-up partner with Habitat for Humanity to build or improve a place they can call home. Future Habitat homeowners work alongside volunteers, earn sweat equity, attend homebuyer workshops, save for closing costs, and pay an affordable mortgage. Habitat-Spokane is an equal opportunity housing provider.

Through financial support, volunteering, or adding a voice to support affordable housing, everyone can help families achieve the strength, stability, and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves. Through shelter, we empower. To learn more, visit habitat-spokane.org and follow @HFHSpokane on Twitter and @HabitatSpokane on Facebook.

ABOUT OVER THE EDGE:

Over The Edge has raised over $88 Million with nonprofit partners through its signature fundraising rappelling events in Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Over The Edge has hosted over 900 successful rappelling events, including a couple of Spokane events in the early 2000s.

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