Habitat For Humanity International

Whether by necessity or choice, a quarter of Americans take at least one vacation by themselves each year. Some solo travelers are single. Some have partners who dislike travel or have different interests or can't get away. Some just crave freedom. But all face the same question: What's the best trip for the person traveling alone? "The key is to know yourself," said Beth Whitman, author of a guide for women traveling alone and founder of Wanderlustandlipstick.com , a website devoted to advice and tours for women on the go. "There are times when you just need to get away, to recuperate.

Former President Jimmy Carter and helpers will try to build 20 homes in South-Central Los Angeles this summer in five days. Melody McCormick of the Habitat for Humanity International's local chapter said the effort, which will begin June 19 and will be shown on national TV, is designed to help low-income families. Capital Cities/ABC Inc., Walt Disney Studios, Carsey-Werner Co.

Former President Jimmy Carter and helpers will try to build 20 homes in South-Central Los Angeles this summer in five days. Melody McCormick of the Habitat for Humanity International's local chapter said the effort, which will begin June 19 and will be shown on national TV, is designed to help low-income families. Capital Cities/ABC Inc., Walt Disney Studios, Carsey-Werner Co.

Habitat for Humanity International received $100 million from J. Ronald Terwilliger of Atlanta, a former housing developer and a longtime member of Habitat's board of directors. Terwilliger is giving away his fortune piece by piece to support affordable housing. The group said it would use the money to help build 60,000 homes around the globe.

* In the wake of a succession of recent hurricanes, Habitat for Humanity International will use funds raised by a $500,000 matching fund challenge grant from the Case Foundation to help hard-hit Florida families pay insurance deductibles of up to $1,500. * The average rate on 30-year fixed mortgages fell to 5.75% last week from 5.83% the prior week, according to Freddie Mac. The 15-year fixed rate declined to 5.13% from 5.22%. The one-year adjustable averaged 4.03%, up from 4%.

The City Council authorized the transfer of vacant property owned by the city's Redevelopment Agency to Habitat for Humanity of Orange County. Volunteers will build four low-income housing units on the lot at the corner of Westminster Boulevard and Edwards Street. The local agency is part of Habitat for Humanity International, which gained recognition in the U.S. when Jimmy Carter began participating in 1984.

Legislation was introduced in Washington on Wednesday that would provide investors a tax credit to encourage the construction and rehabilitation of homes for low- and middle-income families. The House bill, modeled after the low-income rental housing tax credit, is expected to generate nearly $2 billion in private investment annually for the construction or rehabilitation of about 50,000 homes for sale to lower-income families each year. The measure, introduced by Reps. Tom Reynolds (R-N.Y.

Habitat Centers: Realty giant Coldwell Banker Corp. said it has selected the nonprofit Habitat for Humanity International as its main community activity. The realty company, based in Mission Viejo, said it will encourage its 2,300 offices nationwide to serve as community centers for Habitat activities and information. "Both Coldwell Banker and Habitat are in the business of helping people fulfill the American dream--owning their own homes," said Chandler Barton, Coldwell Banker's president.

The Salvation Army raised $1 billion in 1996--up more than $250 million from 1995--putting it at the top of the list for the fifth straight year in the Chronicle of Philanthropy's top 400 charities. Americans donated $25.9 billion in 1996 to the nation's 400 largest charities, the Washington-based Chronicle reported. The American Red Cross placed second, raising $479.9 million, followed by the American Cancer Society, which took in $426.

While many winter-weary college students spend their spring break soaking up the sun on sandy beaches, a dozen students from Kansas are spending their vacation painting two earthquake-damaged apartment buildings on Laurel Canyon Boulevard in Mission Hills. Instead of slapping on the sun block, the students from Sterling and McPherson colleges--two small, Christian schools--began slapping paint on two complexes Monday. They expect to have the job done by Thursday.

More than 500 students will receive their degrees at Cal Lutheran University's commencement services, which are scheduled for 10:30 a.m. May 16 at Mt. Clef Stadium. Baccalaureate services in Samuelson Chapel will precede the graduation. At the ceremony, four people will receive honorary degrees. They are: * Millard and Linda Fuller of Americus, Ga., who co-founded Habitat for Humanity International, which provides low-cost housing to the needy. * J.D.