The Tulsa and Joplin Area Habitat for Humanity teams, surrounding businesses and the city of Joplin are partnering on one of the most aggressive rebuilding efforts since the May 22, 2011, devastating EF-5 tornado. The Ten for Joplin project team plans to build 10 homes for tornado-impacted Joplin families during a 16-day period beginning October 29, 2011.

Ten for Joplin's vision is to ignite volunteer efforts to rebuild Joplin by setting an example of what can be accomplished when businesses and communities come together to help one another. Unfortunately, before the project may become a reality, $295,000 and up to 3,000 volunteers are needed.

Two additional businesses have joined the cause since the project was first announced September 8. Arvest Bank, one of the Walton Family's diversified businesses headquartered in Lowell, AR, has committed to a full house sponsorship while Unit Corporation, a diversified energy company headquartered in Tulsa focused on natural gas, has signed up to sponsor half a house.

"Arvest Bank is proud to partner with Habitat for Humanity and sponsor one of the ten homes to be built in Joplin," said Doug Doll, president/CEO Arvest Joplin. "Our community is making tremendous strides in the rebuilding effort and is sure to be stronger than ever before. We certainly wouldn't miss the opportunity to be part of this amazing effort."

Pleased to be part of the Ten for Joplin project with the Tulsa Habitat for Humanity is the Unit Corporation. According to Mike Earl, director of corporate development, "Our employees are excited about rebuilding Joplin by helping the new Joplin Habitat families who were impacted by the tornado."

Other companies sponsoring houses are The Anne and Henry Zarrow Foundation; BKD CPAs & Advisors; Chase, Hilti, Samson and TD Williamson, Inc. Advanced Industrial Devices, Inc. has signed up to sponsor half a house.

"People and groups from across the country have been calling about volunteering. What we need now is to get the last two homes funded, plus the additional funds and gift in-kind donations to complete the project." said Paul Kent, executive director of Tulsa Habitat for Humanity.

In addition to donating funds, volunteers can gain information about volunteer opportunities at the Ten for Joplin website found here. The site features videos and news about the project as well as general information on the overall build as the project moves closer to its official onsite build kick-off date.

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