-- Project will improve neighbors’ economic mobility by making critical home repairs and increasing access to skilled trades education and jobs --
-- Multi-year project, facilitated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, includes collaboration with Southwest Partnership Inc (SWP), Rebuilding Together, City of Baltimore and The University of Maryland, Baltimore --
Lowe’s Companies, Inc. (NYSE: LOW) announces today a multi-year commitment to improve economic mobility in the Southwest Baltimore community by addressing affordable housing and driving skilled trades employment. The three-year project, which represents a commitment of more than $2 million,will include completing critical home repairs for 45 homeowners, increasing workforce development efforts and improvinglocal recreation centers, parks and green areas.
“One of our key priorities at HUD is to help the individuals and families we serve become economically independent and self-sufficient,” said Joe DeFelice, Regional Administrator of HUD’s Mid-Atlantic region. “Lowe’s multi-year commitment will empower residents in the Poe Homes neighborhood to reach their potential by providing the support they need to succeed—economic opportunity, educational advancement and safe affordable housing. Thank you to everyone involved, especially Lowe’s and SWP, for being such strong partners in getting this one-of-a-kind project up and running. We look forward to seeing the life-changing results it will bring in Southwest Baltimore.”
“The rebirth of our city depends on everybody working together, and I welcome the commitment and partnership with Lowe’s to help improve the quality of life for the residents of the neighborhoods of SWP,” said Mayor Brandon M. Scott. “When we are able to strengthen one neighborhood, all of Baltimore becomes a better place. Lowe’s leadership understands that all aspects of a community must be addressed, and SWP’s Vision Plan calls for this to happen. The partnership of residents, anchor institutions, businesses and government to raise the quality of life is a model that works. Thank you, Lowe’s, for believing in Baltimore. I look forward to being an active member of this new partnership.”
“Lowe’s is uniquely suited to make a difference by addressing two things we know well - creating safe, affordable housing and supporting skilled trades – in our Baltimore neighborhoods,” said Quonta Vance, Lowe’s division president, north division. “This collaboration is a model of how we can help make meaningful, lasting change through the development of a targeted workforce development grant program that aims to improve employment retention and career growth, create safer homes and restore community parks and green areas.”
Managed by SWP, the Lowe’s supported workforce development grant program will engage local partners and anchor institutions to co-build programs that train and promote the hiring of local talent. Grantees for the first year include the Safe Alternative Foundation for Education (S.A.F.E.) for the construction of a new workforce development community center, 10:12 Sports to support graduates of their sports mentoring program and the University of Maryland Medical Center for free training of area residents in high-demand healthcare careers.
“At SWP, we work diligently to connect our neighborhoods with the right partners who share common interests and have the resources to create change and make an impact,” says Curtis Eaddy II, Southwest Partnership events and marketing manager.“Lowe’s belief in our vision is generating investment in current residents and is helping the community tackle many challenges, including economic stability, safe and secure housing, access to green and recreation space, and the ongoing negative impact of disinvestment.”
Additionally, Lowe’s and Rebuilding Together Baltimore will perform critical repairs for 45 homes, helping homeowners stay safe and healthy in their homes andage in place. Critical repairs include roof replacement, exterior wall repair, energy efficiency improvements, home modifications and more.
“Nationwide, more than 2.6 million homeowners live in deteriorating, physically inadequate homes that threaten their health and safety,” said Caroline Blakely, President and CEO of Rebuilding Together. “In partnership with Lowe’s, we are working to preserve critical affordable housing opportunities, stabilize and revitalize neighborhoods, one home and one community at a time.”
In addition to safe and affordable housing and skilled trades workforce education initiatives, Lowe’s and Southwest Partnership will develop placemaking projects, assisting with the renovation of Poppleton Recreational Center Park and mural. Future projects will be announced at a later date.
For more information about Lowe’s support for our communities, visit newsroom.lowes.com.
About Lowe’s in the Community
As a FORTUNE® 50 home improvement company, Lowe’s is committed to creating safe, affordable housing and helping to develop the next generation of skilled trade experts through nonprofit partnerships. Across every community we serve, Lowe’s associates donate their time and expertise through the Lowe’s Heroes volunteer program. For the latest news, visit Newsroom.Lowes.com or follow @LowesMedia on Twitter.
About Rebuilding Together
Rebuilding Together is a leading national nonprofit organization with a mission to repair the homes of people in need and revitalize our communities. Each year, Rebuilding Together affiliates completer about 10,000 rebuild projects. Learn more and get involved at rebuildingtogether.org.
