Habitat for Humanity Detroit and the FCA Foundation Dedicate New Home Just in Time for the Holidays
December 11, 2015 /3BL Media/ - Habitat for Humanity Detroit and the FCA Foundation, the charitable arm of FCA US LLC, dedicated a new home this morning in the Morningside Commons community on Detroit’s east side. The build, which kicked off in April, was part of a collaborative partnership between Habitat for Humanity Detroit and the FCA Foundation to build a safe, affordable home for a working family in need.
The single-family ranch home is approximately 1,200 square feet and includes four bedrooms, a two-car attached garage and Energy Star appliances. Since 2007, Habitat Detroit has built or rehabbed 120 homes in the Morningside Commons neighborhood. Approximately 260 FCA US Motor Citizen volunteers contributed nearly 2,000 hours of service over the past seven months to complete the latest home.
“Coming together to build a house along with Habitat for Humanity Detroit was a wonderful undertaking for FCA US and its employees,” said Lesley Slavitt, Head of Civic Engagement, FCA US LLC, and CEO of the FCA Foundation. “Being together with the Richards family today as this house becomes their home is a truly special opportunity, and we wish them many years of happy memories as they settle into their new home.”
Carol Richards, Habitat Detroit’s newest homeowner, shared her gratitude for all those who helped her achieve the dream of homeownership. “I feel very thankful for the support of Habitat for Humanity Detroit and the FCA Foundation. I thank the volunteers and my sponsor from the bottom of my heart and I appreciate their effort in helping build the community into a safe, nice neighborhood.”
Tara Franey, Habitat Detroit Director of Development, added, “We are thrilled for Carol and for all of our Family Partners who work so hard to become homeowners. Of course, we could not carry out our mission without dedicated corporate partners like the FCA Foundation. They are truly helping us to build homes, communities and hope in Detroit.”
About Habitat for Humanity Detroit
Habitat for Humanity Detroit is an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, a nonprofit ecumenical Christian housing ministry providing decent, safe and affordable housing to low-income families in Detroit. Since 1986, the Detroit affiliate has rehabilitated and/or built new houses in partnership with more than 400 families. Financial support, gift-in-kind donations and volunteer labor allow Habitat for Humanity Detroit to continue building affordable homes with those in need of improved housing. For more information please visit www.habitatdetroit.org or call (313) 521-6691.
About the FCA Foundation
Since 1953, the FCA Foundation, the charitable arm of FCA US LLC, has invested more $500 million in charitable organizations and initiatives that help empower people, and build strong, viable communities. The FCA Foundation invests in programs that generate meaningful and measurable societal impacts in the following areas:
- Education – programs that inspire young minds, particularly in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM);
- Military – programs that support financial and basic needs of military service members, veterans and their families;
- Multicultural/Diversity – programs that promote inclusion and opportunity for diverse populations; and
- Youth Development – programs that help young people develop the skills and leadership qualities to succeed in school, at work, and in life.
Additionally, FCA US seeks opportunities to support communities through its Motor Citizens® volunteer program. This innovative program enables FCA US salaried employees to use 18 hours of paid time each year to be an Engine for Change by investing their time and talents in community service projects.
