Central S.C. Habitat for Humanity Receives Bank of America Property Donations
April 3, 2014
COLUMBIA, SC – April 3, 2014 – Bank of America has donated eight properties to Central South Carolina Habitat for Humanity in support of the affiliate’s efforts to build affordable housing in partnership with low-income families in the Midlands.
The donations are part of a national partnership with Habitat for Humanity International through which the bank will donate up to 2,000 vacant properties for renovation or reconstruction over a three-year period. In Lexington and Richland Counties, low-income families will build in partnership with Central S.C. Habitat volunteers over the next year, rehabilitating local donated properties.
“The donation of these properties by Bank of America is a tremendous boost to our efforts to revitalize neighborhoods in our service area,” said Roy Kramer, executive director of Central South Carolina Habitat for Humanity. “Because of this work and thanks in part to Bank of America, families and entire communities can build stronger foundations on which to thrive.”
In partnership with Bank of America, Central S.C. Habitat will donate a home on April 9 to a deserving woman, Marva, a mother of two grown children. Of the 11 homes Central S.C. started in Habitat’s fiscal year, three are Bank of America properties, which means that one-quarter of the homes built or renovated from Habitat’s current fiscal year are made possible through Bank of America’s property donation program.
“These property donations are an investment in the Midlands and helps Central S.C. Habitat provide affordable housing to deserving families,” said Kim Wilkerson, South Carolina and Columbia market president, Bank of America. “This donation not only helps people like Marva realize the American Dream of owning a home, but helps revitalize neighborhoods and provide financial education and coaching for future homeowners.”
As with most Central S.C. Habitat for Humanity homes, the home dedicated on April 9 is also made possible through other community partners, including Publix Supermarket Charities, who provided funds and volunteers to renovate the home.
In addition to the property donation programs through Bank of America Home Loans, the Bank of America Charitable Foundation has contributed more than $24.5 million to Habitat’s work around the world through a national partnership launched in 2002. Additionally, bank employees annually contribute more than 30,000 volunteer hours to help rehab and build homes.
For more information on partnering with Central South Carolina Habitat for Humanity, please contact Allison Kirby at (803) 252-3570 or [email protected].
About Central SC Habitat for Humanity
Central South Carolina (CSC) Habitat for Humanity is an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International that was established in 1985 to address the need for affordable housing in Richland and Lexington counties. It is estimated that more than 30 percent of families are either house-burdened, paying more than 50 percent of their income on housing, or live in sub-standard living conditions. Since 1985, CSC Habitat has helped more than 225 low-income families realize the dream of home ownership.
About Bank of America Corporate Social Responsibility
Bank of America’s commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR) is a strategic part of doing business globally. Our CSR efforts guide how we operate in a socially, economically, financially and environmentally responsible way around the world, to deliver for shareholders, customers, clients and employees. Our goal is to help create economically vibrant regions and communities through lending, investing and giving. By partnering with our stakeholders, we create value that empowers individuals and communities to thrive and contributes to the long-term success of our business. We have several core areas of focus for our CSR, including responsible business practices; environmental sustainability; strengthening local communities with a focus on housing, hunger and jobs; investing in global leadership development; and engaging through arts and culture. As part of these efforts, employee volunteers across the company contribute their time, passion and expertise to address issues in communities where they live and work. Learn more at www.bankofamerica.com/about and follow us on Twitter at @BofA_Community.
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