Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counies is one of more than 220 Habitat organizations awarded a grant from Wells Fargo as part of its nationwide initiative to help low-to-moderate income families construct and improve homes across the country.
“Far too many people across the country are facing housing instability and one of our key priorities is to create housing affordability solutions where everyone can have a safe and affordable place to call home,” said Steven Schultz, Region Bank President. “We are proud to support Habitat for Humanity in providing homeownership opportunities for hundreds of families nationwide through Wells Fargo Builds.”
The grant is part of a $7.75 million donation Wells Fargo is making to Habitat for Humanity International through Wells Fargo Builds, an initiative that provides philanthropic financial support and volunteerism to create sustainable affordable housing. More than 340 homes will be constructed or repaired with Habitat in over 40 states through the initiative this year. Wells Fargo Builds is part of Wells Fargo’s $1 billion philanthropic commitment to create more housing affordability solutions by 2025.
“Thanks to our partnership with Wells Fargo, more deserving families in our community will have the opportunity to secure safe and affordable housing, which is needed now more than ever,” said Mike Sutton, President and CEO of the Pinellas and West Pasco affiliate. “The support of Wells Fargo throughout the years has strengthened our communities, and we look forward to future partnerships, and seeing everyone back on the build sites.”
Habitat Pinellas and West Pasco will receive $45,000 and use the funding to build three homes in Pinellas Park, Saint Petersburg, and New Port Richey. The Duncans, Mitchell, and Bair families will soon have a safe and affordable home to call their own.
“I am building because I must set the foundation for my children to follow my footsteps,” says Kiera Mitchell, a DAWS Coach and Employment Specialist at the Gulf Coast Jewish Family Services. “This program is teaching me how to prepare for the future with savings and budgeting to own my own home. It will definitely change my life, and my children’s lives for the better.”
