Jul 11 2007
Habitat for Humanity and Nissan North America Inc. announced today a one- year, $1 million partnership that includes house sponsorships, the donation of 10 Nissan Titan trucks and the support of current Habitat projects.
Through this partnership, Nissan will sponsor and build a total of 10 houses with U.S. Habitat affiliates in Michigan, Tennessee, Mississippi and Texas and with international Habitat affiliates in Brazil, Mexico and Canada.
To kick off the partnership, Nissan employees and executives will join Nashville Area Habitat for Humanity staff and volunteers on June 14 - 15 at Providence Park to build a home with a Nashville family in need. Providence Park is the largest all-Habitat neighborhood in the United States built by volunteers. Nissan employees will work on a weekly basis to help complete the house for dedication ceremonies on June 29.
"Nissan moved its North American headquarters to Nashville 18 months ago, and we are so excited to partner with some of our newest corporate neighbors," said NAHFH president and CEO Chris McCarthy. "Not only will they build a much-needed affordable home for Schanty Russell and her three children, but also will help our agency tremendously with the donation of a Titan truck."
Following the devastation of the 2005 hurricane season, Nissan donated 50 Titan trucks to support rebuilding efforts in the Gulf Coast region. Nissan will provide 10 additional trucks to Habitat affiliates through this partnership.
In addition to the homebuilding projects and truck donations, Nissan is a sponsor for the 24th annual Jimmy Carter Work Project in Los Angeles. Habitat's JCWP is a week-long blitz-build led by former President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, to highlight the need for affordable housing worldwide.
"We are proud to support Habitat for Humanity in its efforts to make affordable housing possible for families around the world," said Dominique Thorman, NNA senior vice-president finance and administration. "This partnership reinforces our global vision to improve the quality of life in the communities in which Nissan operates and provides an opportunity for our employees to make a difference in the very neighborhoods where they work."
"Nissan has generously assisted Habitat for Humanity in our Gulf Coast hurricane recovery efforts, and we're thrilled that our shared commitment to decent housing has turned into a partnership that will have a lasting impact in communities across the country and around the world," said Habitat chief executive officer Jonathan Reckford. "We deeply value the support that the entire Nissan family has provided our efforts, including contributions of resources, products and time."