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WAILUKU - Habitat for Humanity Maui's fifth annual Build A Thon last month raised $40,000 for the organization, and 12 families received help with their homes from about 200 volunteers.

Several of those families will come directly out of homelessness into a simple, decent home built by volunteers and their own sweat equity.

Among the volunteers at Waiehu Kou IV subdivision Aug. 23 was Lt. Gov. James Duke Aiona.

The work helped those families speed up construction, making it possible for them to move into their homes by Christmas. Three driveways were poured and drywall, insulation, doors and cabinets were installed.

There were volunteer work crews from Dowling Co., Marriott Hotels, Maui Electric, Maui Prince Hotel and Hawaii Superferry.

"We are grateful for all the teams who signed up for our Build A Thon, but the real challenge is getting the community to come out after the Build A Thon to help finish the homes," said Executive Director Sherri Dodson. "We build every Saturday and many times during the week, and anyone is invited to help."

Habitat for Humanity Maui has been committed to building affordable housing since 1997 and currently is helping families build homes in Kula and Waiehu Kou.

For more information about Habitat for Humanity Maui or to volunteer, call 893-0334.