NCAA commits $2.5 million to Habitat for Humanity's disaster response program

The five-year commitment will support Habitat's efforts to help families and communities rebuild

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Dec 11, 2018, 15:00 ET

ATLANTA, Dec. 11, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The NCAA today announced a five-year, $2.5 million donation to Habitat for Humanity to support building or repairing decent and affordable homes in partnership with families impacted by natural disasters.

"Regardless of where a hurricane, wildfire, tornado, earthquake or any other natural disaster strikes, we know that the schools, students and families of the NCAA will be impacted," said Mark Emmert, NCAA president. "A long-term relationship with Habitat gives us the capability to help impacted communities across our country recover in a meaningful way. Our goal is to be present where the need is greatest, in regions still recovering from past natural disasters and standing ready to support relief following future events."

"NCAA and Habitat have a shared interest in the long-term well-being of communities and the people who live, work and play in them," said Colleen Finn Ridenhour, senior vice president for development at Habitat for Humanity. "This generous donation will support Habitat's long-term disaster recovery efforts and help us rebuild homes and communities impacted by disasters."

After an active 2018 hurricane and wildfire season, the need for disaster response and long-term recovery is an increasing need in the U.S. and around the world. The NCAA's five-year commitment will support Habitat's response and recovery to disasters today, tomorrow and in the future, Emmert said.

The NCAA had a successful partnership with Habitat from 2005 to 2008 to help alleviate the devastation left by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. During the three-year engagement, more than 5,000 student-athletes, coaches, staff and community volunteers built more than 60 homes.

Habitat has been helping communities in the U.S. and around the world recover from disasters for more than 20 years. To learn more about Habitat's disaster response efforts or to get involved, visit habitat.org/disaster.

About Habitat for Humanity

Driven by the vision that everyone needs a decent place to live, Habitat for Humanity began in 1976 as a grassroots effort on a community farm in southern Georgia. The Christian housing organization has since grown to become a leading global nonprofit working in local communities across all 50 states in the U.S. and in more than 70 countries. Families and individuals in need of a hand up partner with Habitat for Humanity to build or improve a place they can call home. Habitat homeowners help build their own homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage. Through financial support, volunteering or adding a voice to support affordable housing, everyone can help families achieve the strength, stability and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves. Through shelter, we empower. To learn more, visit habitat.org.

About the NCAA

The NCAA is a diverse association of more than 1,100 member colleges and universities that prioritize academics, well-being and fairness to create greater opportunities for nearly half a million student-athletes each year. The NCAA provides a pathway to higher education and beyond for student-athletes pursuing academic goals and competing in NCAA sports. More than 54,000 student-athletes experience the pinnacle of intercollegiate athletics by competing in NCAA championships each year. Visit ncaa.org for more information.

SOURCE Habitat for Humanity International