FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

Alva Winfrey Kennedy

Director of Resource Development

312-447-4545

awinfrey@mercyhousing.org

Chicago, Ill.—Mercy Housing Lakefront is delighted to announce that they have received a $100,000 grant from Bank of America Charitable Foundation.

Mercy Housing Lakefront, one of the first to develop permanent supportive housing projects of significant size in the Chicago area, will use the grant to expand its Neighborhood Revitalization Initiative (NRI). The NRI is part of President Obama’s place-based strategy to help neighborhoods in distress transform themselves into neighborhoods of opportunity. The grant will also help Mercy Housing Lakefront achieve the goals outlined in its “Moving Forward Together” initiative: build or preserve 7,500 affordable homes, create 8,000 jobs, and prevent homelessness for 20,000 people over a 10 year period.

Bank of America, a supporter of Mercy Housing since 1994, is committed to helping local nonprofit organizations address the critical issues of affordable housing and neighborhood revitalization. Its goal is to help individuals and families gain and maintain financial stability by increasing access to affordable housing, preparing future homeowners, providing financial education, and supporting work that strengthens the vitality of local communities.

“As the affordable housing crisis continues, it’s increasingly important that we preserve existing affordable homes, as well as look for ways to create new affordable homes,” said Mark Angelini, President of Mercy Housing Lakefront. “We’re thrilled to have Bank of America’s support as we continue to work to create a world in which every person has a safe place to live.”

About Bank of America Corporate Social Responsibility

Bank of America’s commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR) is a strategic part of doing business globally. Their CSR efforts guide how they operate in a socially, economically, financially and environmentally responsible way around the world, to deliver for shareholders, customers, clients and employees. Their goal is to help create economically vibrant regions and communities through lending, investing and giving. By partnering with their stakeholders, they create value that empowers individuals and communities to thrive and contributes to the long-term success of their business. They have several core areas of focus for our CSR, including responsible business practices; environmental sustainability; strengthening local communities with a focus on housing, hunger and jobs; investing in global leadership development; and engaging through arts and culture. As part of these efforts, employee volunteers across the company contribute their time, passion and expertise to address issues in communities where they live and work. Learn more at www.bankofamerica.com/about and follow them on Twitter at @BofA_Community.

About Mercy Housing Lakefront

Mercy Housing Lake front seeks to create a more humane world in which poverty and homelessness are alleviated, communities are healthy, and people can develop to their full potential. With 28 properties, Mercy Housing Lakefront serves thousands of people in Chicago and Milwaukee.