Lowe's is teaming up with Habitat for Humanity International to launch "Hammers for Habitat," a nationwide volunteer drive to mobilize 100,000 new volunteers to raise a hammer for Habitat this year. In celebration of their renewed partnership through 2018, Lowe's and Habitat are asking men and women across America to give one day to help make the dream of home ownership a reality for a family in their community. Individuals interested in volunteering can find more information at Habitat.org/Lowes.

While Habitat for Humanity works year-round, the pace of activity across the United States picks up in spring – and so does the need for volunteers.

"Volunteers are the lifeblood of Habitat for Humanity's efforts around the world, and their participation is critical to our goal of serving one million people annually by 2018," said Mark Andrews, vice president of volunteer & institutional engagement for Habitat for Humanity International. "With the support of Lowe's and dedicated Lowe's Heroes employee volunteers, Hammers for Habitat will help us reach more families and more communities than ever."

Lowe's renewed its partnership last month with a five-year commitment that will bring its total contributions to more than $63 million since 2003. Lowe's also pledged the continued support of Lowe's Heroes to help Habitat scale up the number of people it serves each year. But both organizations recognize the critical need to get more hands on hammers. In the United States, more than 48 million people are living in poverty.

"At Lowe's, we know that improving communities is not a do-it-yourself project," said Joan Higginbotham, Lowe's director of community relations. "The work is too big for any one organization, any one partner. We thank all those who've supported Habitat in the past and encourage anyone who hasn't to join us. You can make a tremendous difference."

Habitat for Humanity and Lowe's will offer on-site volunteer registration at events throughout the year. Along with opportunities to volunteer locally, Habitat for Humanity has programs to get youth, women, college students and military veterans involved. Habitat also has short-term volunteer trips to help build affordable housing in the United States and abroad. Previous construction experience is not necessary to volunteer.

Key 2014 Event Dates

May 5-11: National Women Build Week. Annual event challenges women across the United States to support Habitat during the week of Mother's Day.

Sept. 15 - Oct. 15: National Hispanic Heritage Month. Local event brings together Lowe's Heroes and community volunteers to celebrate Hispanic heritage while building and repairing homes in partnership with low-income families.

Oct. 5-11: Habitat for Humanity's Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project. President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, give a week of their time to help Habitat for Humanity improve and build homes in the U.S. and in countries around the world. In 2014, the Carters will focus their efforts on Dallas andFort Worth, Texas, as Dallas Area Habitat for Humanity and Trinity Habitat for Humanity co-host Habitat's 31st annual Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project.