Habitat for Humanity of the Lehigh Valley Director of Development Tom Moore told members of the Presbyterian Church of Catasauqua's Keenagers group recently the organization serves a vital purpose in the Lehigh Valley.

Moore said the organization is founded on similar precepts of the church and is committed to building basic homes for individuals in need.

He noted the organization built its 100th home in the Lehigh Valley this year and it is currently working on a home rehabilitation project in the Slatington area.

Moore also spoke about the organization's ReStore operation located at 1053 Grape St. in Whitehall. ReStore locations sell new and used furniture, home accessories, building materials and appliances at a reduced price. The stores are owned and operated by local Habitat for Humanity organizations.

"The response has been overwhelming," Moore said of the Lehigh Valley ReStore operation. "It's an ideal opportunity for Habitat to serve the community and families in need."

Moore also briefly introduced a new program called A Brush With Kindness. The program, Moore said, provides assistance to low-income families with repairing and renovating their homes. Examples of projects include painting, landscaping, weatherization and minor repair services.

The program requires individuals to complete "25 hours of sweat equity," meaning the family must contribute its share to renovating the home.

"We offer families a hand up, not a hand out," Moore said of the program. "It's our dream to impact more families in need."

Moore said Habitat for Humanity serves a vital need and purpose nationally and more specifically in the Lehigh Valley.

"We [Habitat for Humanity] build basic, affordable homes in the Lehigh Valley," he said.

For more information on Habitat for Humanity in the Lehigh Valley, go to the organization's website at http://habitatlv.org.

The Keenagers group meets for lunch and a program once a month at the church.

The group, currently in a summer recess, will resume meetings in September.