DuPage Habitat and Bank of America team up in Hanover Park to help build affordable housing
Bank of America has awarded DuPage Habitat for Humanity with a $50,000 grant to build affordable homes in Hanover Park's Greenbrook community. The grant builds off prior funding totaling more than $250,000 by Bank of America to DuPage Habitat for Humanity since 2009, all of which has provided for capacity building and direct mission support to build affordable homes across DuPage County.
The grant is part of Bank of America's $1 billion, four-year commitment to help local communities address economic and racial inequality accelerated by a global pandemic. The programs will be focused on assisting people and communities of color that have experienced a greater impact from the health crisis.
"Despite the challenging economic times, the dream of homeownership persists for so many individuals in the area," said Paul Lambert, Chicago market president, Bank of America. "Affordable housing is a cornerstone of our recent $1 billion commitment, and our partnership with DuPage Habitat for Humanity will help us build thriving communities and help make the dream of homeownership a reality for more families in DuPage County."
The grant will support the construction of a 27 town-home development in Hanover Park's Greenbrook Community. These new units will augment 15 existing units, which are being rehabbed and the entire site reworked for drainage, storm water, private roadwork, and common area improvements, including storm water collection and retention, sewer, potable water, grading, and the replacement of all sidewalks and common area circulation to meet ADA and accessibility standards. The addition of new common area amenities such as picnic areas, playground, and additional parking will enhance the quality of life for residents and meet updated zoning requirements.
"There are a lot of grading issues in Greenbrook Court, so in the past year and a half that we have been there, we have gone in and changed all the sidewalks, regraded the center area, and repainted everything," says Chris Stello, DuPage Habitat's Director of Construction. "Once that area is graded, we will put in the playset and grills so there is a shared area for the community. The kids will have a safe place to play and neighbors will have a place to interact," he says.
Even before the pandemic, over 18 million people were paying more than 50% of their income for housing. Now, as homeowners face economic uncertainty and concerns about foreclosure, DuPage Habitat for Humanity's work has never been more important.
In 2019, Bank of America employees volunteered nearly 200 hours with DuPage Habitat, working alongside staff and other volunteers to strengthen local their communities through building, repairing, and improving homes across DuPage County. This year, with limited in-person volunteer opportunities, the financial support of partners is key to advancing affordable housing developments such as Greenbrook.
DuPage Habitat for Humanity
Driven by the vision that everyone deserves a decent place to live, DuPage Habitat for Humanity began in 1995. DuPage Habitat for Humanity has partnered with people in our community, and all over the world, to help them achieve the strength, stability and self-reliance they need to build a better life for themselves and for their families. Through local support, DuPage Habitat has helped over 640 people across the DuPage County. Through financial support, volunteering or adding a voice to support affordable housing, everyone can help families achieve the strength, stability and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves. DuPage Habitat homeowners help build their own homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage. Through shelter, we empower. To learn more about DuPage Habitat for Humanity, visit dupagehabitat.org.
Bank of America
At Bank of America, we're guided by a common purpose to help make financial lives better, through the power of every connection. We're delivering on this through responsible growth with a focus on our environmental, social and governance (ESG) leadership. ESG is embedded across our eight lines of business and reflects how we help fuel the global economy, build trust and credibility, and represent a company that people want to work for, invest in and do business with. It's demonstrated in the inclusive and supportive workplace we create for our employees, the responsible products and services we offer our clients, and the impact we make around the world in helping local economies thrive. An important part of this work is forming strong partnerships with nonprofits and advocacy groups, such as community, consumer and environmental organizations, to bring together our collective networks and expertise to achieve greater impact. Learn more at about.bankofamerica.com, and connect with them on Twitter (@BofA_News).