December 21st 2012

Habitat for Humanity and St. Michael’s House, Finglas, launch ‘A Brush with Kindness’ – a new partnership and project providing local independent living supported by Bank of America Merrill Lynch.

Two local charities today launched a new partnership with Bank of America Merrill Lynch to renovate a home which will allow people with an intellectual disability to live independently.

The new project, ‘A Brush with Kindness’, involves housing charity Habitat for Humanity Ireland renovating a home in Finglas. The home has recently been acquired by St. Michael’s House, a charity which provides support for people with intellectual disability and their families.

Bank of America Merrill Lynch is providing direct financial support for the initiative, as well as active employee volunteering, including painting, gardening and basic carpentry. Click here to read more.

Karen Kennedy, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity Ireland said:

“We are delighted to launch the  ‘A Brush With Kindness’ project today, reflecting Habitat’s worldwide partnership approach to working with volunteers, families and communities to provide safe, decent and affordable housing.  We believe in working with organisations with similarly held views to reach as many people as possible and to ensure we offer an holistic approach to community development.”

“We are extremely grateful for the support of Bank of America Merrill Lynch and look forward to welcoming their staff onsite in the coming months.  Staff volunteering opportunities are a fantastic way to build teams and boost staff morale while giving back to the local community.”

Peter Keegan, Ireland Country Executive at Bank of America Merrill Lynch said:

“Bank of America Merrill Lynch is proud to support this very important project, enabling collaborative efforts to support local communities. We look forward to participating in the renovations over the coming months and to opening the house to its new independent-living residents

“The activities carried out by both Habitat for Humanity and St. Michael’s House, Finglas, change people’s lives immeasurably and we are delighted to support their work”.

Patricia Doherty CEO of St. Michael’s House said:

“This has been a long term ambition of the service users and marks a major step towards them becoming fully integrated into the local community. We are delighted to be working in partnership with Habitat for Humanity Ireland in making this become a reality for them.”   

HFH Ireland has previously partnered with other housing non-profits including Cheshire Homes and Don Bosco Teenage Care on similar projects.

HFH Ireland are also currently partnering with Dublin City Council (DCC) to renovate the homes in Inchicore, which aims to help low income families become homeowners, for the first time.  There are volunteering opportunities available for corporate groups, schools and individuals on both projects.  To learn more visit www.habitatireland.ie or call 01 531 0033.

Photos

Contact Jeannie McCann 01 531 2034 / 086 879 9092 for high-res images.