Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties recently received a donation from a bank with community ties. On August 13, 2012 EverBank Regional Community Development Leader Brian Hafenbrack presented Habitat President and CEO Katherine C. “Kitty” Green a check for $10,000. As a company, EverBank has donated over $7 million to nearly 100 charitable groups since 2006. Today the company’s giving is primarily focused on three critical areas of need, including children's services, affordable housing and education, making Habitat for Humanity a perfect fit to for EverBank’s charitable mission. EverBank has also provided the Habitat affiliate with support and guidance in applying for funding through Federal Home Loan Bank programs.

While Monday’s donation was the first contribution by EverBank to Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties, the Florida-based financial institution is a longtime supporter of Habitat for Humanity. Since 1996, EverBank has contributed over $2 million and built 57 homes for Habijax - the Habitat affiliate in Jacksonville - the highest number of homes sponsored by a single company in the region. EverBank also provides Habijax with nearly 900 hours of employee volunteer time annually.

“The need for affordable homeownership continues to grow in our community. Funding sources, especially government programs, which have traditionally helped to make affordable homeownership a reality, are exhausted or simply are no longer available. Now, more than ever, we must rely on our community to help provide simple, decent homes for low-income families,” explained Green. “That’s why support from businesses such as EverBank  is so important to our mission to provide decent affordable homes to people in need so they may build better lives for their families.”