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Habitat for Humanity Greater San Francisco Receives $90,000 Wells Fargo Grant to Preserve and Expand Access to Affordable Homeownership
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. (October 24, 2024) – Habitat for Humanity Greater San Francisco (Habitat Greater San Francisco) received a $90,000 Wells Fargo Build grant to help complete construction of new affordable homes in Bolinas and conduct critical home repairs for long-time, low-income homeowners in San Francisco, San Mateo and Marin counties. The generous grant meant that last month two local families and their young children were able to move into their new affordable homes along Aspen Road in Bolinas, an area experiencing sharply rising housing costs.
The grant also helps 10 long-time Bay Area residents and their families stay in the homes they have worked so hard to keep, by completing critical repairs. This work can include everything from the installation of a new roof to new windows and siding. The Home Preservation program at Habitat Greater San Francisco ensures more low-income families can remain safely in their homes and continue contributing to their communities.
The grant comes at a critical time when affordable homeownership has become increasingly out of reach for far too many Bay Area families. In the three counties, Habitat Greater San Francisco serves, the median home price is $1.9 million, more than double the median home price in the rest of California. Lack of affordable housing impacts all Californians – especially communities of color. Affordable housing is a key pillar of community stability and improving racial equity.
“We are incredibly thankful to Wells Fargo for their continued partnership and support in helping us build and preserve more affordable homeownership for families across the Bay. Every day we see the long-term benefits of affordable homeownership, from increased stability and peace of mind to improved health and education outcomes. It takes all of us coming together, from our dedicated volunteers to our steadfast supporters and donors, to help make the dream of affordable homeownership a reality.”
– Maureen Sedonaen, Chief Executive Officer at Habitat Greater San Francisco.
Wells Fargo has been an essential partner to Habitat Greater San Francisco, having donated more than $600,000 since 2020. Their financial support is coupled with a deep commitment to volunteerism. Wells Fargo’s dedicated teams of employees have volunteered nearly 300 hours to help with affordable homebuilding projects and critical home repairs for families at risk of displacement.
Habitat Greater San Francisco is one of hundreds of Habitat for Humanity affiliates awarded grant funding nationwide through the 2024 Wells Fargo Builds program to help low-to-moderate income families access affordable homes. This funding is part of a $6.3 million donation to Habitat for Humanity International announced earlier this year through the Wells Fargo Builds program to build and repair more than 280 affordable homes nationwide.
“We believe a place to ‘call home’ is the foundation for wellness, dignity, and economic opportunity. As The Bank of Doing, Wells Fargo takes action to put people and communities first – using our financial and volunteer resources. We are thrilled to join Habitat Greater San Francisco in their work to create much needed affordable and sustainable homes.”
– Katy Fitzsimmons, senior lead community impact and sustainability specialist, Wells Fargo
Read the full press release here. For media enquiries please contact Jenny Hayes at jhayes@habitatgsf.org