Bank of America invests $200,000 in our mission

PRESS RELEASE – December 4, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Colin Penney, South County Habitat for Humanity - (401) 213-6711 x304 colin@southcountyhabitat.org

South County Habitat for Humanity receives $200,000 from 

Bank of America Neighborhood Builders Program

Washington County, R.I. South County Habitat for Humanity (SCHH) has been named a 2025 Bank of America Neighborhood Builder, receiving $200,000 in unrestricted funding to support its mission of building affordable homeownership units in Washington County, Rhode Island. In addition to this funding, this prestigious award provides access to leadership development resources and training. SCHH joins fellow Rhode Island nonprofit Social Enterprise Greenhouse in receiving this distinguished designation.

“This year, as we celebrate the 35th anniversary of South County Habitat for Humanity, we are deeply honored to receive this incredible investment from our longtime partners at Bank of America,” said Colin Penney, Executive Director of SCHH. “Unrestricted support like this gives us the flexibility to strategically grow our capacity and better meet the needs of our community, ensuring every dollar advances our mission of a world where everyone has a decent place to live. With ambitious plans for larger-scale housing developments, this funding arrives at a pivotal moment. We are truly grateful for Bank of America’s partnership.”

For many years, Bank of America employees have rolled up their sleeves and volunteered on SCHH construction sites, helping turn houses into homes. Over the past three years alone, 285 Bank of America volunteers have contributed over 1,500 hours to SCHH’s mission. This extraordinary support, both in time and resources, has made a tangible difference in the lives of families, providing them with safe, stable, and affordable places to call home.

“South County Habitat for Humanity plays a vital role in expanding access to safe, affordable housing, strengthening neighborhoods, and building more resilient communities in Rhode Island,” said Kevin Tracy, Bank of America Rhode Island President. “Through our Neighborhood Builders program, Bank of America is pleased to provide funding and leadership training that helps Habitat continue and expand this transformative work for years to come.”

Housing affordability in Rhode Island continues to reach crisis levels. According to the 2025 Housing Fact Book by HousingWorks at Roger Williams University, wages have grown by less than 30% since 2018, while housing costs have risen by more than 60%. Currently, buyers need an income of over $100,000 to purchase a home in any Rhode Island municipality. Additionally, more than one-third of Rhode Island households are cost-burdened, spending over a third of their income on housing.

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 information, call 401-213-6711, or visit www.southcountyhabitat.org.

Representatives from Bank of America and South County Habitat for Humanity

Photo Credit: South County Habitat for Humanity

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