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Habitat Susquehanna and Bank of America Team with Harford Technical High School
Courtesy of Habitat for Humanity Susquehanna

Bank of America (BAC) volunteers worked alongside students from Harford Technical High School to continue building a “green” home that began last year. The volunteers were part of BAC’s fourth annual Global Build, a weeklong opportunity during which BAC employees partnered with local Habitat for Humanity affiliates around the world to address affordable housing challenges.

“We are thankful that we have such a strong partnership with Bank of America and the Harford Technical High School,” said Karen Blandford, Habitat Susquehanna’s Executive Director. “This Green Build Home will aim to be an Energy Star home, a bonus not only to the homebuyer but also to the environment.”

“Bank of America is a global company with a local focus, and our many teammates who volunteered on this project thoroughly enjoyed our continued partnership with Habitat Susquehanna and the Harford Technical High School,” said Sabina Kelly, Greater Maryland Market President for Bank of America. “Working alongside such bright and engaged students on such a meaningful initiative exemplifies our commitments to economic mobility, workforce development and environmental stewardship. We are proud to support Habitat’s mission to provide affordable housing for local families, which is a critical step toward financial stability and success.”

This is the eighth “Habi-Tech” home built by Harford Tech students, and the sixth featuring green technology incorporating energy-saving features. It takes two years for a “Habi-Tech” house to be built from start to finish under the guidance of school instructors, and the project teaches students across the trades programs all aspects of home design and construction. In the spring of 2018, the home will be transported from the school to its final, permanent location on Giles Lane in Aberdeen where construction can be completed.

“We are enjoying the longtime relationship with Habitat Susquehanna and our partnership with Bank of America,” said Harford Technical High School Principal Joseph Collins. “This experience benefits everyone involved, especially the families who get the homes at the end of the process.”

On the day BAC employees worked on the “Habi-Tech” house, the Habitat homebuyer came to see the progress and thanked the volunteers. As is the case for all Habitat homebuyers, this mother of two will be required to contribute 250 “sweat equity” hours and take mandatory financial literacy classes before purchasing the home through an affordable mortgage.

The “Habi-Tech” homes were an initiative begun in 2006, sponsored by BAC and built by Harford Tech students. The project was selected as one of only 85 worldwide and Habitat Susquehanna was awarded a $50,000 grant for the build. During Global Build week, BAC volunteers participated in Habitat for Humanity community revitalization projects timed around the date of World Habitat Day. This year’s Global Build occurred in more than 88 communities in six countries, including the United States, Canada, Ireland, Australia, China/Hong Kong and Indonesia.