Wells Fargo helps Bend Habitat for Humanity
Wells Fargo is helping local, low and moderate income people buy affordable homes by supplying both volunteer labor and $45,000 to Bend Area Habitat for Humanity.
The nonprofit group is using the support to help build three homes for Habitat families in Bend. One was completed earlier this month. It was the 105th home theaffiliate has built since its inception 25 years ago. The second house supported by Wells Fargo is currently under construction and the third will begin construction shortly.
“I often brag about the energy and enthusiasm that Wells Fargo employees have for our organization,” said Robin Cooper Engle, Community Outreach manager for Bend Area Habitat for Humanity. “Wells Fargo is one of our most perfect partners in that its employees volunteer for our home builds and the company donates to us on a regular basis. This is how we can continue to serve children and adults through affordable housing, day in and day out.”
Skylar Bush, a Wells Fargo business specialist in Bend, volunteers as a member of the local Habitat board and organizes teams of Wells Fargo volunteers to help build the homes.
“It’s rewarding for our Wells Fargo team members to work with Habitat for Humanity here and further the dream of homeownership for deserving families,” said Bush. “Working together, we can create safe, decent housing; increase the number of homeowners in Bend; and strengthen our community.”
The Wells Fargo Housing Foundation was created to provide permanent solutions to homeownership needs in Wells Fargo communities nationwide. The Housing Foundation achieves its goals primarily through team member volunteerism and grant support to nonprofit housing organizations that share its mission.
When Wells Fargo team members volunteer to build or renovate a home for a low-income family, the Housing Foundation’s Team Member Volunteer Program provides financial support to the local nonprofit housing agency.
Since it was established in 1993, the Wells Fargo Housing Foundation has teamed up with nonprofit organizations, including Habitat for Humanity, to create low income homeownership opportunities. During that time, the Housing Foundation nationally has contributed more than $50 million in grants; more than 175,000 volunteers; and more than 4.5 million volunteer hours in building more than 4,400 homes.
About Bend Area Habitat for Humanity
Over 25 years, Bend Area Habitat for Humanity has served more than 500 children and adults through their homeownership and home repair programs. Bend Habitat is dedicated to providing affordable services and creating long-term sustainable change for families and individuals in Bend and Crook County. www.bendhabitat.org
About Wells Fargo
Last year Wells Fargo was named the most generous company in America and the most generous bank in Oregon. Serving Pacific Northwest customers since 1852, Wells Fargo is the largest bank in Central Oregon (according to the most recent FDIC deposit data). Wells Fargo perspectives and stories are also available at blogs.wellsfargo.com and at wellsfargo.com/stories.
