OREANDA-NEWS. April 30, 2015. Habitat for Humanity Detroit and FCA US LLC kicked off their 2015 collaborative build this morning in the Morningside Commons neighborhood on Detroit’s east side. The early morning celebration began with a few brief remarks before FCA US volunteers raised the walls for a new home on Maryland Street. 
 
The new home is part of Habitat Detroit’s Leaders to ReBuild Detroit campaign, which has a goal to serve 500 families through new home construction, rehabilitation, critical home repairs, weatherizations and blight remediation projects. More than 250 families have been served since the campaign launched in 2012. 
 
“It’s always a good day when we raise a new set of walls!," said Vincent Tilford, Habitat Detroit’s executive director. "We are so grateful for FCA and their partnership in our mission to build homes, communities and hope. Our vital work wouldn’t be possible without their support.”
 
“As a company, we are committed to making service to others part of our daily mission, so the FCA Foundation is thrilled to partner with Habitat Detroit to help another family realize their dream of homeownership,” Jody Trapasso, Senior Vice President - External Affairs, FCA - North America, said. It is also a very appropriate endeavor. “Wherever possible, we put volunteer hours behind our Foundation grants to better build strong, sustainable communities,” Trapasso added. 
 
Over the next few months, approximately 260 FCA US Motor Citizen volunteers will continue work on the home, donating an estimated 1,800 hours of labor. Meanwhile, the Habitat Detroit homeowners will complete a minimum of 250 “sweat equity” hours, as well as financial literacy training in order to qualify for a 0% mortgage. Ultimately, the partnership between the homeowners, Habitat Detroit and FCA US will culminate in a home dedication ceremony this summer, where the family will receive the keys to their new home.
About Habitat for Humanity Detroit
Habitat for Humanity Detroit is an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, a nonprofit ecumenical Christian housing ministry providing decent, safe and affordable housing to low-income families in Detroit. Since 1986, the Detroit affiliate has rehabilitated and/or built new houses for more than 350 families. Financial support, gift-in-kind donations and volunteer labor allow Habitat for Humanity to continue building affordable homes for those in need. For more information, please visit www.habitatdetroit.org or call (313) 521-6691.
 

About the FCA Foundation
Since 1953, the FCA Foundation, the charitable arm of FCA US LLC, has invested more \\$500 million in charitable organizations and initiatives that help empower people, and build strong, viable communities. The FCA Foundation invests in programs that generate meaningful and measurable societal impacts in the following areas:
  • Education – programs that inspire young minds, particularly in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM);
  • Military – programs that support financial and basic needs of military service members, veterans and their families;
  • Multicultural/Diversity – programs that promote inclusion and opportunity for diverse populations; and
  • Youth Development – programs that help young people develop the skills and leadership qualities to succeed in school, at work, and in life.

Additionally, FCA US seeks opportunities to support communities through its Motor Citizens® volunteer program. This innovative program enables FCA US salaried employees to use 18 hours of paid time each year to be an Engine for Change by investing their time and talents in community service projects.