News

Citi Donates to HFHSA

Citi has made a charitable contribution of $60,000 to Habitat for Humanity of San Antonio to support the San Antonio House Build program, which will begin construction of its 13th home in September. Since volunteer effort and the participation of the recipient families in construction lower building costs significantly for Habitat for Humanity, the contribution — which will cover materials and administrative costs — will be a major component of the financing for the new home.”We are very thankful to Citi for their continued support of Habitat for Humanity of San Antonio,” said Stephanie Wiese, Vice President of Development and Communications. “Helping families build simple and decent homes not only gives them a chance for a new beginning but more importantly a place to call home.”

“Affordable housing is at the heart of financial inclusion and economic empowerment,” said Mark Nerio, Community Officer for Citi Community Development. “We are pleased to make this commitment of both funds and the enthusiastic volunteer effort of our employees, to help revitalize our community.”

Habitat homes are rated Energy Star Homes and meet LEED Level 1 Standards (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design), the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high-performance green buildings. The San Antonio Business Journal rated Habitat for Humanity in San Antonio as the 5th largest San Antonio Green Residential Builder in June 2010.

Habitat for Humanity of San Antonio, Inc.
Habitat for Humanity of San Antonio is an ecumenical, Christian organization working with hardworking families in need to build simple, decent and affordable homes without interest or profit. Habitat families are required to put in a minimum of 300 hours of “sweat equity,” meaning they help build their own home, the homes of their neighbors and they attend home ownership education classes. In turn, they purchase their homes on a 0% interest, 20-year mortgage. Their payments average about $400 a month, or about half the fair market rent for a two-bedroom apartment in the city.

Citi Community Development
Citi Community Development (CCD) is leading Citi’s commitment to achieve economic empowerment and growth for underserved individuals, families and communities by expanding access to financial products and services, and building sustainable business solutions and innovative partnerships. Our focus areas include: commercial and philanthropic funding; innovative financial products and services; and collaborations with institutions that expand access to financial products and services for low-income and underserved communities. For more information, please visit www.citigroup.com/community