M&I Sponsors Heartland Habitat Prototype Building Initiative

LEAWOOD, Kan., Sept. 26, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Heartland Habitat for Humanity has launched an exciting initiative to bring sustainable and affordable housing to a deserving family in the Kansas City area. M&I, a part of BMO Financial Group, is a Build Sponsor for this unique project.

Heartland Habitat for Humanity is one of four Habitat for Humanity International affiliates in the nation chosen to explore innovative, sustainable housing utilizing volunteer construction and community building. This home build prototype will be taken to Washington D.C. as a conversation about what affordable housing can, and should be.

"BMO is a longtime supporter of environmental sustainability and community focused efforts. This initiative led by Heartland Habitat for Humanity is a great way to focus on two critical needs simultaneously," said Brad Smith, Kansas City President, M&I. "This is a visionary project and one that we hope is repeated across the country."

This fall, volunteers from M&I branches in the area will gather at the build site to lend manpower in construction of the home. The construction will last about three months, and will be an educational experience allowing volunteers to learn sustainable principles in home building. The home is expected to be completed by early 2013, with the family moving in the following weeks.

"Heartland Habitat for Humanity is thrilled to be entering into this important conversation about sustainable, affordable housing with M&I," said Tom Lally, Executive Director of Heartland Habitat for Humanity. "We simply cannot do what we do without good community partners. M&I understands, and brings community support through financial and volunteer support. We're really excited about this partnership, and seeing all of our efforts help a family recognize the American dream of homeownership."

Heartland Habitat for Humanity
Heartland Habitat for Humanity's mission is to build simple, decent homes and communities in partnership with God's people in need, while following biblical principles. Since 1987, Heartland Habitat has built over 240 homes in Wyandotte, Leavenworth and Johnson counties in Kansas, and Clay and Platte counties in Missouri.

About BMO Harris Bank
Based in Chicago, BMO Harris Bank N.A. provides a broad range of personal banking products and solutions through over 650 branches and approximately 1,350 ATMs in Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, Kansas, Missouri, Minnesota, Nevada, Arizona and Florida. BMO Harris Bank's commercial banking team provides a combination of sector expertise, local knowledge and mid-market focus throughout the U.S. Deposit and loan products and services provided by BMO Harris Bank N.A. Member FDIC. BMO Harris Bank^sm and M&I^® are trade names used by BMO Harris Bank N.A. BMO Harris Bank is part of BMO Financial Group, a North American financial organization with 1,600 branches, and a retail deposit base of approximately $180 billion.

SOURCE M&I, a part of BMO Financial Group