OREANDA-NEWS. In recognition of the United Nations’ World Habitat Day, Bank of America, in partnership with Habitat for Humanity International, is launching its second Global Build, taking place in eight countries around the world. During one week and across 11 time zones, the Global Build will feature the first-ever home build in New York City’s Bryant Park, where volunteers will build in partnership with a local Habitat family. The projects taking place during Global Build aim to address affordable housing challenges, revitalize communities and help families around the world improve their living conditions and achieve home ownership.

“Affordable housing is critical to financial well-being and is linked to improved health, education and economic outcomes for families and children,” said Andrew Plepler, Bank of America’s Global Corporate Social Responsibility executive. “Through our longstanding relationship with Habitat for Humanity, we have been able to partner on efforts like the Global Build and bring our international scale to help more people achieve homeownership and put them on the path to a stronger financial future.”

During the week, approximately 2,000 Bank of America employees will volunteer with Habitat for Humanity to revitalize neighborhoods in 75 communities around the world, including London, Hong Kong, Sydney, Jakarta, Manila, Toronto, and Mumbai. Volunteers will also participate in the feature event in Bryant Park, erecting the frame of an eco-friendly house over the course of the day that will become home to a family in Long Island, New York.

“We are happy to partner with Bank of America for the second Global Build to help those in need of safe, decent, affordable housing,” said Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International. “The volunteer commitment and financial support from Bank of America is vital to fulfilling our shared goals of building homes, communities and hope.”

Bank of America and Habitat for Humanity have worked together for more than 25 years to support neighborhood revitalization efforts around the world. What started as a house sponsorship program in 1990 has evolved into a robust partnership. Bank of America has invested more than $26 million in philanthropic support since 2002 and employee volunteers annually give approximately 35,000 hours of time to support Habitat’s mission and help families access affordable housing.

The partnership and the Global Build are part of Bank of America’s broader commitment to helping people live better financial lives and to supporting stronger communities and stable economies. Overall, the Bank of America Charitable Foundation has donated nearly $23 million in grants to over 800 nonprofits in the U.S. this year to help individuals and families gain financial stability through access to affordable housing and financial coaching.

About Habitat for Humanity International
Habitat for Humanity International’s vision is a world where everyone has a decent place to live. Anchored by the conviction that housing provides a path out of poverty, since 1976 Habitat has helped more than 5 million people through home construction, rehabilitation and repairs and by increasing access to improved shelter through products and services. Habitat also advocates to improve access to decent and affordable shelter and offers a variety of housing support services that enable families with limited means to make needed improvements on their homes as their time and resources allow. As a nonprofit Christian housing organization, Habitat works in more than 70 countries and welcomes people of all races, religions and nationalities to partner in its mission.

Bank of America
At Bank of America, corporate social responsibility (CSR) is critical to fulfilling our core purpose of making people’s financial lives better. A commitment to growing our business responsibly is embedded in every aspect of our company, from our policies and practices to our services, products, governance and employee benefits. An important part of that commitment is forming strong partnerships across sectors, including nonprofit organizations serving community needs, bringing our collective networks and expertise to achieve greater impact. We’re proud of our employees’ volunteer efforts, support of diversity and inclusion, and environmental and social responsibility. Across our company, we’re focused on simplifying banking and investing, advancing better money habits and making an impact in communities around the world.