Wells Fargo, a nationwide multi-billion dollar financial services company, recently awarded Habitat for Humanity Orlando with a $35,000 grant to help build homes. In addition, Wells Fargo donated two vacant lots valued at a total of $14,500 to the nonprofit. Habitat will build homes for low-income families on the land, located in Orlando’s Holden Heights neighborhood. Both the grant and the donation were made through the Wells Fargo Housing Foundation, a charitable giving division of the financial company dedicated to supporting nonprofits that focus on affordable housing.
Stephen Porter, REO program manager of Wells Fargo, noted that Habitat for Humanity is a strategic partner for the company, as Habitat’s goal of affordable housing aligns with the Wells Fargo Housing Foundation’s initiatives.
“Donating vacant lots to Habitat for Humanity creates affordable housing for deserving families and helps stabilize neighborhoods that have been impacted by the housing crisis,” he said. “Plus, the grant will help Habitat complete homes already under construction.”
Dee Danmeyer, executive director of Habitat for Humanity Orlando, agreed: “Both the Wells Fargo land donation and grant are significant to us. They will allow us to allocate more funds to build homes for local families.”
In addition to the lot donation, Wells Fargo team members are committed volunteers with Habitat for Humanity in many building projects. More than 100 employees are committed to 10 on-site build days through month of December.
“Volunteering gives our team a sense of value and allows us to see how our donations directly impact a family and neighborhood,” said Dave Cuevas, loss prevention specialist for Wells Fargo.
In addition, Habitat Orlando recently announced a partnership with Orange County on the Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) to buy foreclosed homes and help low-income home buyers purchase the renovated properties. To date, five homes have been purchased and are currently undergoing improvements, such as A/C and appliance installation, roof repair and various fixture replacements.
“We are thankful for the support from our business and community leaders through partnerships, donations and sponsorships. It is their assistance that allows us to continue our mission and help hardworking families achieve their dreams,” added Danmeyer.
