Grammy-nominated and Dove Award-winning artist Paul Colman recently teamed up with Habitat For Humanity in Detroit, an ecumenical Christian ministry dedicated to eliminating poverty housing.
The weeklong 2005 Jimmy Carter Work Project launched June 18, with former United States President Jimmy Carter and his wife in the frontline of the event. Colman joined the Carters, along with Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm and thousands of volunteers, to help make the dream of homeownership a reality for 31 families in the Detroit area.
"I had a life-changing experience in Detroit with Habitat For Humanity," Colman said. "Seeing 31 houses built in a week was incredible. I witnessed the sacrifice of the staff and volunteers and the immense gratitude of the new home owners, and it was truly overwhelming," he said.
In addition to hammering nails and painting walls during the week, Colman provided entertainment for 2,500 staff members and volunteers, along with the 31 new homeowners during closing ceremonies on Friday, June 24. Colman additionally performed his new song, "My Heart is Home," which he wrote specifically for Habitat For Humanity.
"I spent two days with a family who had been ripped apart by the breakdown of a marriage and personal tragedy. To see Habitat assist in the redemption of this family is something I will never forget," Colman notes.
Colman released his first solo album in seven years, Let It Go, in March, and he recently finished the 30-city "All God's Children" tour featuring Tree 63 and Building 429. He is currently touring Europe and performing stateside at festivals this summer, including Spirit West Coast and Soulfest. Colman is also a featured columnist for CCM Magazine beginning with the July issue.
About Habitat For Humanity
Habitat For Humanity International, based in Americus, Ga., is an ecumenical Christian ministry dedicated to eliminating poverty housing. By the end of 2005, Habitat will have built its 200,000th house and more than one million people will be living in Habitat homes they helped build and are buying through no-profit, zero-interest mortgages. For more information visit www.habitat.org.
