First Niagara Makes $300,000 Commitment to Habitat for Humanity

BUFFALO, N.Y., Sept. 4, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- First Niagara Bank, N.A. today announced a $300,000 commitment to Habitat for Humanity of Chester County (HfHCC), which will help build affordable housing for families in need in Coatesville.

First Niagara's six-year commitment will help with the construction and completion of 45 new homes in the Cambria Housing development. The new community project, which began in 2004, was constructed on the grounds of the former Oak Street public housing project and was designed to address and rectify the negative impact of an area dominated by a crumbling public housing complex for more than 30 years.

"We are proud to pledge our long-term commitment to such a wonderful cause," said Robert Kane, regional president at First Niagara. "First Niagara continues to take an active role in supporting the communities where we do business and we look forward to helping more families realize their dreams of owning a home."

In addition to the long-term commitment and donation, 20 First Niagara volunteers, led by Regional President Robert Kane, will participate in the building process on September 12 in Coatesville.

"We are thrilled to be partnering with First Niagara to help build affordable housing for families in need," said Chip Huston, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Chester County. "Coatesville is a town that has been the victim of very difficult times. With the help of First Niagara, we continue to transform the neighborhood into a vibrant, thriving community that will serve as a source of pride for current and future residents."

About First Niagara
First Niagara, through its wholly owned subsidiary, First Niagara Bank, N.A., is a multi-state community-oriented bank with nearly 430 branches, approximately $38 billion in assets, $29 billion in deposits, and approximately 6,000 employees providing financial services to individuals, families and businesses across Upstate New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and Massachusetts.

About HfHCC 
Based on Christian principles, Habitat for Humanity of Chester County's primary objective is to build affordable, owner-occupied housing which leads to more stable neighborhoods for God's people in need. Since 1989, Habitat volunteers have provided housing for 126 families in Coatesville, Downingtown, Phoenixville and West Chester. 

SOURCE First Niagara