Bank of America and Habitat for Humanity kick off Global Build in celebration of 30 years of working together
ATLANTA (September 23, 2016) – Bank of America employees will partner with Habitat for Humanity to help build, rehab or repair homes and revitalize neighborhoods in 85 communities in eight countries during its Global Build, Sept. 24-Oct. 1. Taking place over the course of one week, the Global Build will celebrate 30 years of shared commitment to affordable housing that puts individuals and families on a path to success.
“Access to affordable housing is a critical stepping stone on a trajectory toward financial stability and success,” said Kerry Sullivan, president of the Bank of America Charitable Foundation. “We’re honored to have worked with Habitat over the last 30 years to join our collective networks, including the power of our volunteers, with Habitat’s expertise in order to help build thriving communities.”
Each year, Bank of America employees volunteer approximately 35,000 hours to support Habitat’s mission through working alongside Habitat homeowners as they build or improve their homes, serving on the board of local Habitat organizations and providing financial literacy training for future homeowners. This year, nearly 2,000 Bank of America employees will volunteer in countries around the world, including: the United States, Canada, Ireland, Australia, Thailand, China, Indonesia and the Philippines.
“This effort will bring together thousands of volunteers, homeowners, community members and leaders, and with our help, Habitat homeowners will achieve the strength, stability and self-reliance they need to build a better life for themselves and their families,” said Sue Henderson, vice president, Operations, U.S. and Canada, Habitat for Humanity International.
For 30 years, Bank of America has supported Habitat’s vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live. What began as a grassroots effort has grown into a robust global, national and local partnership. Since 1986, Bank of America has donated more than $75 million to Habitat for Humanity’s work around the world, with more than $55 million in cash and property donations to Habitat for Humanity International. In addition to ongoing efforts, the bank has worked with Habitat as a trusted partner in times of disaster, supporting Habitat’s response efforts following Hurricane Sandy, the Nepal earthquake, flooding in Northern Ireland, as well as other natural disasters.
Bank of America’s partnership with Habitat is part of its broader work to address issues fundamental to economic mobility, including the need for stable, affordable housing that enables individuals and families to access education and other opportunities that create long-term success and lead to healthy, more vibrant communities.
To learn more about Bank of America’s partnership with Habitat, watch this video.
About Habitat for Humanity International
Driven by the vision that everyone needs a decent place to live, Habitat for Humanity began in 1976 as a grassroots effort on a community farm in southern Georgia. The Christian housing organization has since grown to become a leading global nonprofit working in nearly 1,400 communities throughout the U.S. and in nearly 70 countries. Families and individuals in need of a hand up partner with Habitat for Humanity to build or improve a place they can call home. Habitat homeowners help build their own homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage. Through financial support, volunteering or adding a voice to support affordable housing, everyone can help families achieve the strength, stability and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves. Through shelter, we empower. To learn more, visit habitat.org.
About Bank of America
At Bank of America, our focus on Environmental, Social and Governance factors is critical to fulfilling our purpose of helping make people’s financial lives better. Our commitment to growing our business responsibly is embedded in every aspect of our company. It is demonstrated in the inclusive and supportive workplace we create for our employees, the responsible products and services we offer our customers and the impact we make around the world in helping local economies thrive. An important part of this work is forming strong partnerships with nonprofits and advocate groups, such as community and environmental organizations, in order to bring together our collective networks and expertise to achieve greater impact. Learn more at www.bankofamerica.com/about, and connect with us on Twitter at @BofA_News.