Press Release
September 1, 2021
PRESS RELEASE – September 1, 2021
For Immediate Release
For more information, contact: Colin Penney, phone: 401-213-6711 x303 Colin@southcountyhabitat.org
Bank of America building futures with Habitat for Humanity
Charlestown, R.I. Each day, South County Habitat for Humanity (SCHH) answers calls from community members in desperate need of shelter. The demand for affordable housing through the organization's programs has more than tripled since before the pandemic. While SCHH works to build capacity to serve those in search of long-term affordable housing, significant financial barriers have only increased. Fortunately, SCHH’s partnership with Bank of America continues to strengthen. Bank of America has awarded $30,000 to SCHH towards a new single-family home.
“Affordable housing is crucial to putting individuals and families on a path to long-term success. It opens the door to a better life, from improved educational outcomes to success at work,” said Sean Dagesse, Market Executive for Bank of America in Rhode Island. “We are immensely proud and honored to partner with South County Habitat for Humanity in support of our shared goal to build thriving communities in Rhode Island.”
The $30,000 grant will support construction of a single-family home South Kingstown, RI. The future 3-bedroom unit will be built on a quiet, wooded property with nearby public transportation, an excellent school system, and access to public services. The future homeowner will financially qualify at or below 80% of the Area Median Income and have a demonstrated need for housing. SCHH anticipates a record turnout of applicants when applications open in late Fall.
“We have always been grateful for our relationship with Bank of America, but after COVID-19, we are even more appreciative. Before the pandemic, in addition to financial support, Bank of America volunteers were on our construction sites donating their time and energy on a regular basis. Now, during the pandemic, they have shown up in a different way, with leadership often calling to check in and see how they can help support us while we adjust and re-adjust to the new normal. It’s comforting to know we have their support, whether that be in person, virtually, or financially, words cannot express how thankful we are for our partnership with Bank of America. The $30,000 grant from Bank of America represents our shared vision of a world where everyone has access to a safe, decent, and affordable place to call home” remarked Colin Penney, South County Habitat for Humanity Executive Director.
About Bank of America
At Bank of America, we’re guided by a common purpose to help make financial lives better, through the power of every connection. We’re delivering on this through responsible growth with a focus on our environmental, social and governance (ESG) leadership. ESG is embedded across our eight lines of business and reflects how we help fuel the global economy, build trust and credibility, and represent a company that people want to work for, invest in and do business with. It’s demonstrated in the inclusive and supportive workplace we create for our employees, the responsible products and services we offer our clients, 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 advocacy groups, such as community, consumer and environmental organizations, to bring together our collective networks and expertise to achieve greater impact. Learn more at about.bankofamerica.com, and connect with us on Twitter (@BofA_News).
About South County Habitat for Humanity
South County Habitat for Humanity is dedicated to eliminating substandard housing locally and worldwide through constructing, rehabilitating, and preserving homes, by advocating for fair and just housing policies, and by providing training and access to resources to help families improve their shelter conditions. For more general information, call 401-213-6711, or go to our website at www.southcountyhabitat.org.
###
