News Releases

Carlsbad Habitat for Humanity wins $10,000 Xcel Energy ‘Building Communities’ grant

Funds will aid construction of 11th home since 1999

AMARILLO, TEXAS - The Xcel Energy Foundation awarded a $10,000 grant yesterday [Oct. 4, 2004] to help pay for the eleventh Carlsbad-area Habitat for Humanity home.

Habitat for Humanity builds energy-efficient, affordable houses for needy families. The Carlsbad area Habitat for Humanity affiliate was formed in 1999, and has constructed 10 homes. Its application for the Xcel Energy “Building Stronger Communities” grant asked for aid in funding the eleventh, and said the organization’s goal “is to construct two homes each year for qualified partner families.”

The grant is one of several awarded by the Xcel Energy Foundation to non-profit groups in Eastern New Mexico and Texas Panhandle and South Plains communities served by Xcel Energy. “We’ve provided $85,000 through the Building Stronger Communities program this year,” said Gary L. Gibson, Xcel Energy state vice president.

“Through our grants, we want to help wipe out the problems that lead to homelessness and decaying neighborhoods, and we believe the partners we have chosen to help us are making great progress,” Gibson said.

Anyone wishing to explore funding opportunities through the Xcel Energy Foundation should go to the company’s website at www.xcelenergy.com, said Ben Jaime, Xcel Energy community services and economic development manager for southern New Mexico, who presented the $10,000 check to the Habitat for Humanity board. “Foundation programs are located at the ‘community’ link from the home page.”

Interested, qualified organizations also may contact Wes Reeves at (806) 378-2714.  Xcel Energy Foundation funding is available for any organization in the 11-state Xcel Energy service area that has been designated by the IRS as a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization.

The Carlsbad-area Habitat for Humanity application said its two-homes-per-year goal, “can only occur with the dedicated and continual financial support of corporate foundations such as Xcel Energy,” and that, “Other sources such as local churches, small businesses and individuals will provide the remainder of funds.”