Thrivent today announced it is contributing $1 million to help Habitat homeowners recover from the economic fallout and recession caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. This investment, driven by a shared commitment to helping more families achieve financial security and stability, will provide funding to local and national Habitat organizations to help families across the U.S. and abroad.

Across the globe, millions of households have experienced lay-offs, reduced hours and wage cuts because of the coronavirus outbreak. In the U.S., nearly one-third of households have reported that they cannot afford all of their needs, including rent or mortgage, utility bills, food and medical care. To help families stay in their homes during and after the pandemic, Thrivent is investing $750,000 in 100 local Habitat organizations across the U.S. to assist families with temporary mortgage relief.

To assist with international needs, Thrivent is investing an additional $250,000 in six national Habitat for Humanity organizations. This funding will support Habitat’s global mission of building homes, communities and hope. This financial assistance is in addition to Thrivent’s 2020 commitment to partner with 78 affiliates across the U.S., building 89 homes.

“This year has been incredibly difficult for many people as financial hardship has added stress and anxiety to daily lives,” said Nikki Sorum, senior vice president of Thrivent Advisors at Thrivent. “This pandemic has underscored how important it is for people to have safe, affordable homes. Given all we have endured in 2020, we are especially honored to provide financial support to Habitat for Humanity to help people stay in their homes so they can continue to build toward financial stability.”

Thrivent and Habitat for Humanity began their partnership in 2005. Thrivent and its members have contributed more than $275 million to the global housing nonprofit, helping more families build strength, stability and self-reliance through affordable homeownership.

“We’re grateful for our long-standing partnership with Thrivent and their continued support of homeowners and our global mission,” said Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International. “For over a decade, our joint commitment to stability for families has helped build more thriving communities around the world. Together, we put our values into action by working with families to build financial security through safe and affordable homeownership.”