PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release:  September 16, 2020

Contact: Beth Haynes | 404.543.7849 | beth.haynes@mercyhousing.org

Funding to support program-enriched affordable housing residents become more critical than ever, with so many experiencing hardships due to the pandemic

ATLANTA — Two grants from Bank of America are providing support to Mercy Housing Southeast’s efforts to provide innovative affordable housing, as well as housing security for residents impacted by COVID-19. This comes at a crucial time as the need for affordable housing and these services are at a historic high due to the economic and health impacts of the pandemic.

In the Atlanta area, Bank of America has been a long-standing partner with Mercy Housing Southeast in providing safe, secure, high-quality housing for seniors, families, veterans, and other people with low incomes. “At Bank of America, we are committed to supporting our communities — especially during a time of crisis,” said Wendy Stewart, Atlanta market president for Bank of America. “With many local residents and businesses struggling from the ongoing impact of the coronavirus, Mercy Housing has been instrumental in providing support for Atlantans in need.”

A grant in the amount of $50,000 from Bank of America went directly to Mercy Housing Southeast to provide the initial funding to assist residents who are experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19. An additional $52,000, which is part of a larger $300,000 grant to Mercy Housing, Inc. will support Mercy Housing Southeast’s operations in the greater Atlanta region.

“Bank of America’s support has been critical in growing affordable housing in Atlanta and keeping existing residents healthy and stably housed,” said James Alexander, President of Mercy Housing Southeast.

Mercy Housing is one the nation’s leading affordable housing developers. With nearly 40 years of experience, and a presence in 41 states, it is uniquely prepared to help provide relief to hard-hit, low-income communities with their wraparound services approach to affordable housing. Over 45,000 people including families, seniors, veterans, and people with special needs live at Mercy Housing communities.

Bank of America and the Bank of America Foundation seek to advance pathways of economic mobility and share Mercy Housing’s passion for keeping communities healthy and vibrant. In order to address inequalities in low- and moderate-income communities, Bank of America Foundation partners with nonprofit organizations to foster economic mobility and social progress. This grant is part of Bank of America Foundation’s $1 billion, four-year initiative to support the advancement of racial equality and economic opportunity, with a particular focus on helping create opportunity for people and communities of color.

About Mercy Housing Southeast

Mercy Housing Southeast (MHSE) provides affordable homes to people with low incomes, including families, seniors, people who have experienced homelessness, and people with disabilities.

With 45 properties throughout Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, and Tennessee, MHSE serves more than 5,200 people every day. MHSE supplements much of its housing with Resident Services, programs that help residents build stable lives. MHSE is a regional branch of Mercy Housing, Inc. (MHI), a leading national affordable housing nonprofit headquartered in Denver, CO.