Security Sales has learned that the Safety, Awareness and Independence Now Through Security (SAINTS) program is spreading its charitable efforts to the Habitat for Humanity Intl. (HFHI). SAINTS is a coalition of security companies and associations that contribute alarm systems to churches victimized by arson. HFHI is an ecumenical Christian housing ministry that has built more than 85,000 houses for impoverished people around the world. Shortly before ISC Las Vegas in March, Ron Spiller, executive director of the Security Industry Association (SIA), was contacted by an HFHI representative, who wanted to know if SAINTS could get involved by installing alarm systems in the houses it builds. Consequently, Spiller spoke with representatives from large, national security companies, such as ADT—which had already been associated with HFHI on a regional basis—Brink’s Home Security and Protection One, among others. “I knew we couldn’t get involved unless the national companies were part of the program because this is bigger than SAINTS,” says Spiller.

The response has been extremely enthusiastic. In fact, Peter Michel, CEO of Brink’s, could not wait for the scheduled official launch of the program at ISC New York in August. “Peter was too eager to wait until ISC East!” says Spiller. Brink’s is already getting started by donating the installation and equipment for systems in 100 dwellings in Jacksonville, Fla. In addition, Brink’s will provide the monitoring at a special wholesale fee. Spiller says he plans to speak with others, including SecurityLink from Ameritech and Honeywell, about participating in the program. However, he says, involvement should not be limited to just the large, national firms. “I see this as an opportunity for everyone in the industry, even the smaller companies,” he adds.

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