Bank of America volunteers assisted with home construction and provided $20,000 in support of future pathways to homeownership Sea Island Habitat for Humanity and Bank of America celebrated their longstanding partnership with a volunteer day in recognition of Global Build Week. The bank also awarded SIHH with a $20,000 grant to support the organization’s mission of providing affordable housing and pathways to homeownership for local families. Since 1978, Sea Island Habitat for Humanity has been building homes for families in need with the use of volunteers. Serving Johns, James, and Wadmalaw Islands, as well as Hollywood and Ravenel, SIHH works to provide affordable housing solutions through building and repairing homes. By utilizing volunteer help and donations, SIHH is able to keep the cost of homeownership lower than a traditional developer. And as one of the area's most trusted 501c3 organizations, SIHH has again benefitted this year from the partnership of Bank of America through grant funding and an employee sponsored build day. Lowcountry Bank of America teammates volunteered at a Sea Island Habitat for Humanity job site in Ravenel, South Carolina to build a new home for a local family.
During their eight-hour shifts, the Bank of America volunteers worked on sheathing and hurricane strapping – a vital step in the building process on the South Carolina coast. Habitat for Humanity homes are subject to standard building code inspections and this vital support from volunteers allowed SIHH to pass the inspection and move on to the next phase of building.
Volunteers also worked on framing, including blocking to prep for trusses, sheathing using plywood and nails, and lifting and securing a gable on one side of the house. These steps in the framing process are one of the most difficult and important stages of a home build. To save vital funding, SIHH forgoes the use of a crane and instead asks volunteers to help lift gables, trusses, and sheathing by hand. It is an intensive process, and the team left with a well-earned sense of accomplishment. In addition to employees volunteering their time, Bank of America presented SIHH with a check for $20,000. This generous donation will go towards purchasing building materials so SIHH can continue to provide local families with a pathway to homeownership. This partnership allows SIHH and Bank of America to make a positive impact on affordable homeownership options in Charleston, SC. In this way, Bank of America continues to exhibit its commitment to racial equality and economic opportunity. “Bank of America is committed to investing in partners like Sea Island Habitat for Humanity who are delivering affordable housing and programs that keep the Lowcountry community thriving,” said Mark Munn, president, Bank of America Charleston / Hilton-Head. “Our longstanding partnership with Sea Island Habitat helps support our neighbors through volunteer opportunities like Global Build Week that directly benefit local families on their path to homeownership.”
To learn more about Sea Island Habitat for Humanity or volunteer building homes locally visit seaislandhabitat.org or contact Josie@seaislandhabitat.org. Individuals and groups of all abilities and ages 18+ are welcome! SIHH Construction staff provide a detailed level of instruction and equip volunteers with the knowledge they need to make an impact through Habitat and take new skills home with them to make a lasting impact in their own communities.