GM Foundation donates US$ 1-million to Habitat for Humanity

In recognition of Military Appreciation Month, the General Motors Foundation announced a US$ 1-million grant to Habitat for Humanity to fund projects, including 11 new home builds in partnership with Habitat families, with the goal of assisting current and former military service members.

The grant will also support two international revitalization projects in Brazil and the Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project in Nepal.

"A permanent home not only provides stability for families but gives them a sense of belonging in a greater community," said Vivian Pickard, GM Foundation President. "These things are particularly important for our veterans and military service members, and we are committed to helping them - and all of our Habitat partner families - realize home ownership and take advantage of programs designed to move their lives forward in positive ways."

This partnership will help give US military service members and veterans access to job training programs and fund the development of training programs to help Habitat affiliates better engage with their local veteran communities.

The announcement was made in Austin, Texas, home of the GM Austin IT Innovation Center. Austin is also home to a significant number of current and former members of the military who work for GM. Many of those employees joined the GM Foundation for the announcement, along with Austin Mayor Steve Adler, Austin City Council Member Sabino 'Pio' Renteria, and representatives from Habitat for Humanity International and Austin Habitat for Humanity.

"Habitat is grateful for the continued support of the General Motors Foundation," said Jonathan Reckford, CEO, Habitat for Humanity International. "This new funding will provide opportunities for many families - and veterans in particular - to partner with Habitat affiliates across the US to build or repair their homes. The donation demonstrates a deep commitment from the General Motors Foundation to help Habitat change lives and transform communities."

Construction and revitalization projects will take place in these cities:
• Tonawanda, N.Y.
• Atlanta
• Austin, Texas
• Flint, Mich.
• Wentzville, Mo.
• Detroit
• Columbia, S.C.
• Charlotte, N.C.
• Los Angeles
• Sao Paulo
• Pokhara, Nepal

General Motors' team GM Cares volunteers from the company's operations across the country commit to volunteer for each project, including many GM employees who are veterans. This summer, local GM employees will lead volunteer efforts on the Austin Habitat home build, dedicated to a veteran.

GM's commitment to US servicemen and women is extended by Chevrolet, Buick and GMC through the GM Military Discount Program offered to all active, reserve, retired and veteran military - regardless of separation date - now through June 30, 2015.