Habitat for Humanity International and Bank of America launch global build
Over one week and seven time zones, bank employees will revitalize neighborhoods in the U.S., U.K., China, Thailand and Indonesia
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Sept. 22, 2014) – In partnership with Habitat for Humanity, Bank of America today launched their first global multi-city build in 36 communities around the world. The builds focus on helping low-income families create opportunities to experience the stability and security that homeownership brings. The global build is part of a new 6 million investment from the Bank of America Charitable Foundation to local Habitat affiliates around the world and aligns with the company’s commitment to community revitalization. Bank of America has supported Habitat’s work for more than 25 years, with today’s announcement extending their commitment for another three years.
“Our collaboration with Habitat to secure safe, affordable and sustainable homeownership has a long and meaningful history at Bank of America,” said Corporate Social Responsibility and Public Policy executive Andrew Plepler. “We’re very proud of this partnership and look forward to the impact that our financial and human capital can continue to have in communities across the world.”
More than 1,000 Bank of America employees in 32 U.S. cities, as well as London, Hong Kong, Bangkok and Jakarta, will take part in the volunteer events.
“Owning my own home has always been one of my goals for me and my daughter. I’ve always felt that you don’t just settle, because dreams come true if you believe and work hard,” said Brittany Enoch, the future Charlotte, N.C., homeowner who is working toward becoming a registered nurse.
Similarly, Yuwadee Klongdee, in the Ayutthaya province of Thailand, commented, “My dream of being a true homeowner is becoming a reality. I am excited and look forward to meeting the volunteers that will come to help build my family home.”
“We are excited to see Bank of America expand their support of Habitat with this global effort serving families in five countries around the world,” said Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International. “Habitat is grateful for the commitment of financial and volunteer resources that help us build a world where everyone has a decent place to live.”
The global build is just one example of how Bank of America is promoting community and economic development. Since 2012, the Bank of America Charitable Foundation has provided nearly 100 million to assist nonprofits that build and rehab affordable housing, offer foreclosure prevention services and homeowner counseling, and provide other critical services intended to revitalize neighborhoods and help working families find and secure safe, decent, affordable homes.
As the largest investor in community development financial institutions, Bank of America invests 1.2 billion in more than 240 nonprofit community lenders across all 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, to provide low-cost capital, liquidity and technical assistance to those who may not qualify for traditional loans.
To learn more about Bank of America’s approach to corporate social responsibility, visit www.bankofamerica.com/about.
Visit the Bank of America newsroom for more Bank of America news.
About Habitat for Humanity International
Habitat for Humanity International’s vision is a world where everyone has a decent place to live. Anchored by the conviction that housing provides a critical foundation for breaking the cycle of poverty, Habitat has helped more than 4 million people construct, rehabilitate or preserve homes since 1976. Habitat also advocates to improve access to decent and affordable shelter and supports a variety of funding models that enable families with limited resources to make needed improvements on their homes as their time and resources allow. As a nonprofit Christian housing organization, Habitat works in more than 70 countries and welcomes people of all races, religions and nationalities to partner in its mission. To learn more, donate or volunteer, visit habitat.org.