The homes Habitat for Humanity builds in Orange County are getting more eco-friendly, thanks to a new partnership with a national hardware company.

The one-year pilot program is called "Partners in Sustainable Building". It's a grant from the Home Depot Foundation that gives Orange County Habitat between $2,000 and $4,000 to use on each home it builds to make them more environmentally-friendly.

The Orange County chapter was selected as one of only 30 affiliates in the country to participate. Ann-Marie Vanaman, Orange County Habitat's Development Director, said she was thrilled when she heard the news.

"We'd like to do every house that we build from this point forward green, so this grant will help us tremendously do that," said Vanaman.

David Hoxie, Orange County Habitat site coordinator, said Habitat for Humanity has been trying to make its homes more sustainable for about the last five years. But this grant allows it to greatly expand on that. Workers will be able to install more energy-efficient equipment as well as fixtures to help save water and ensure good indoor air quality.

"The house lasts longer, more sustainable, they (homeowners) don't have the energy bills like when they're renting properties," said Hoxie.

For Habitat, it's always been about helping people. Vanaman said having this grant allows workers to continue to do that, and build a little greener while they're at it.

The pilot program goes through April 30, 2009 and will then open up to other Habitat affiliates throughout the country for four more years.