Delta Air Lines Employees to Build Habitat for Humanity Homes in Queens Village, New York

Volunteerism by Delta people further embodies Delta's commitment to New York

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Oct 23, 2013, 09:00 ET

NEW YORK, Oct. 23, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL) employees from New York will roll up their sleeves to partner with Habitat for Humanity by renovating two single-family, affordable homes in Queens Village, NY. More than 150 Delta employees will participate in the build, which begins Oct. 23 and continues through Nov. 1, 2013.

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"As New York's largest airline, our commitment to serving the community is strong – both by offering the most service from New York City and by giving back to the community," said Gail Grimmett, Delta's senior vice president – New York. "We are proud to again partner with Habitat for Humanity to provide families with safe, affordable homes in New York."

Delta's build will consist of rehabilitating two vacant homes in Queens that Habitat for Humanity New York City recently purchased from the New York City Housing Authority for $1 each. The homes are among more than three dozen houses in Queens that Habitat NYC is scheduled to rehabilitate in the coming years. Delta has worked on over 80 units with Habitat for Humanity New York City since the partnership began in 2007.

"Delta consistently rises to the top in serving those in the community. It is a privilege to work alongside the Delta team building homes and hope in New York City," said Neil Hetherington, CEO of Habitat for Humanity New York City.

"This volunteer effort to rehabilitate homes in Southeast Queens is another example of Delta Air Lines' strong commitment to supporting the communities of the Fifth Congressional District," said Congressman Gregory W. Meeks (NY-05). "Delta's unique partnership with Habitat for Humanity New York City will ensure deserving families will be able to obtain safe, affordable homes while stabilizing neighborhoods still reeling from the foreclosure crisis. I am proud to stand with Delta and Habitat for Humanity today as we continue working for the betterment of the lives of all New Yorkers."

"I applaud Delta's commitment to the communities of Queens and New York City," stated State Senator James Sanders Jr., who represents parts of Queens including JFK International Airport. "Delta's decision to partner with a first-rate organization as Habitat for Humanity proves their commitment to improving the communities they serve. I look forward to seeing the fruits of their labor in the form of newly renovated homes for worthy families."

Across the country in 2013 more than 2,000 Delta employees are participating in builds in Atlanta, Detroit, Los Angeles, Minneapolis/St. Paul, New York City and Seattle. Delta and Habitat for Humanity's relationship has grown steadily since 2000. Habitat is one of Delta's core community partnerships in its Force for Global Good which encourages employees to unite under a shared mission to make a difference in the communities where they live, work and serve. Delta employees have helped more than 100 families receive safe, decent and affordable homes in eight countries around the world. More than 9,800 Delta people have contributed over 92,000 volunteer hours raising walls, digging foundations, laying brick, installing roofs, painting and other construction-related activities.

As part of the long-term partnership with Habitat for Humanity International, Delta painted a Boeing 767-300ER featuring Habitat's logo on the tail of the aircraft in December 2006. The special livery helps raise awareness of Habitat for Humanity's global work and highlights the efforts of employee participation in Delta's Force For Global Good. The aircraft has carried more than 630,000 customers and has flown more than 3,600 trips around the world since that time.

About Delta

Delta Air Lines is New York City's largest and fastest growing carrier, providing service to more destinations from New York State than any other airline. As part of a $1.4 billion project to create a state-of-the-art international gateway at JFK, Delta's new Terminal 4 opened earlier this year. The airline is also investing more than $160 million to expand and update Terminals C and D at LaGuardia. The unique Delta Shuttle product offers hourly service to Boston, Chicago (O'Hare) and Washington D.C. Delta's three metropolitan-area airports carried 23.1 million domestic and international passengers in 2012, up from 20.8 million passengers in 2011. Delta and its nearly 9,000 New York-based employees are part of the fabric of the New York community, acting as the official airline of the Yankees, Mets, Knicks, Rangers, Madison Square Garden, Food Bank for New York City, New York Wine and Food and AmFar among many others.