Rebuilding Together and Choice Hotels Team Up to Improve Lives and Revitalize the Community in Denver

      

VOLUNTEERS FROM CHOICE PROPERTIES COME OUT TO PROVIDE CRITICAL HOME REPAIRS TO A LOW INCOME HOMEOWNER IN NEED

DENVER, Sept. 28 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- On October 2-3, 2009 volunteers from various Choice Hotels properties in Denver are dedicating their time to help one family in our community keep their home and its value by making critical home repairs and renovations. This multi-generational family consists of a grandmother, Charlsie Williams, who is raising a teenage granddaughter and two pre-school great grandchildren. Ms. Williams is a big hearted woman doing the best she can for these three children on an extremely limited income.

The project includes renovation of their bathroom including tile repair and installation of grab bars for safety; energy upgrades including replacement of exterior doors and weather stripping; safety upgrades and patching and painting the walls and ceilings in most rooms.

This project is one of 13 Rebuilding Together projects awarded a grant by the Choice Hotels International Foundation focused on repairing the homes of low-income families. The partnership -- named "Room to Rebuild" -- is part of the ongoing commitment by Choice Hotels to strengthen the local communities in which their associates and franchisees live, work and provide hospitality. Choice Hotels is also a presenting sponsor of the Rebuilding Together United We Serve projects occurring on September 11th as a response to President Obama's national call for service.

"To be a part of the community means you roll up your sleeves and work with neighbors to help make the lives of others better," said Laurie McCaw, CEO of Rebuilding Together Metro Denver. "Through these efforts, Choice Hotels is committed to preserving and revitalizing the homes of the elderly, persons with disabilities and lower income families."

Denver City Councilman Michael Hancock plans to visit the project around noon on Saturday.

"Low income homeowners are struggling to maintain homeownership. We are tackling these issues of community stabilization on a day to day basis" said Gary Officer, president and CEO of Rebuilding Together. "Choice Hotels is making our critical work possible in one community after another where their franchisees are showing leadership by addressing the needs of the community."

"The relationship with Rebuilding Together allows Choice Hotels properties across the country the opportunity to get involved in meaningful projects that make a real difference in revitalizing their local communities," said Stephen P. Joyce, president and chief executive officer of Choice Hotels International.

Rebuilding Together is focused on preserving affordable homeowners for America's millions of low and moderate income families.

"Through our rebuilds this week, we're making sure that homeowners in our community can keep their home, remain independent and live in conditions that meet basic health, comfort and safety needs. These families do not have the financial or physical ability to complete these fundamental and critical projects so it's up to Rebuilding Together and our volunteers to make it all possible," said McCaw.

ABOUT REBUILDING TOGETHER METRO DENVER

Rebuilding Together Metro Denver's mission is to bring volunteers and communities together to improve the homes and lives of homeowners in need. Our vision is a safe and healthy home for every person. We strive to help low income veterans, elderly or disabled homeowners gain a renewed independence and to make their homes warm, safe and dry.

For more information visit www.rebuildingdenver.org or call (720) 524-0840

ABOUT CHOICE HOTELS

Choice Hotels International, Inc. franchises more than 5,900 hotels, representing more than 479,000 rooms, in the United States and more than 30 other countries and territories. As of June 30, 2009, more than 800 hotels are under construction, awaiting conversion or approved for development in the United States, representing more than 64,000 rooms, and an additional 110 hotels, representing approximately 8,700 rooms, are under construction, awaiting conversion or approved for development in more than 15 other countries and territories. The company's Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality, Sleep Inn, Clarion, Cambria Suites, MainStay Suites, Suburban Extended Stay Hotel, Econo Lodge and Rodeway Inn brands serve guests worldwide. In addition, via its Ascend Collection membership program, travelers in the United States and the Caribbean have upscale lodging options at historic, boutique and unique hotels.

Additional corporate information may be found on the Choice Hotels International, Inc. Web site, which may be accessed at www.choicehotels.com.

SOURCE Rebuilding Together Metro Denver