Nissan volunteers will add hard hats and tool belts to their work attire as they continue a partnership with Habitat for Humanity Mississippi Capital Area (HFHMCA) that began nearly a decade ago. Nissan is focusing its efforts on Greenview Drive – the deteriorated south Jackson street that is being revitalized thanks to HFHMCA and its supporters.
Starting today, hundreds of employee volunteers from Nissan will take part in the eight day Nissan Build at 2913 Greenview Drive during April and May. The home is being constructed for local Jackson resident Kena Span and her four children.
“We share Habitat’s commitment to building sustainable communities,” said Steve Marsh, Nissan – Canton, vice president of manufacturing. “Building this house makes a positive, lasting contribution in the revitalization of Greenview Drive and we are honored to work with Habitat for Humanity Mississippi Capital Area again on a new home.”
Nissan’s national partnership with Habitat began in response to hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005. Nissan donated $1 million, provided 50 Nissan Titan trucks for Habitat’s response efforts in the Gulf Coast and mobilized employees to assist in home building. Since 2006, Nissan employees have helped build more than 60 homes across the United States, logging more than 70,000 volunteer hours.
“Nissan is a leader not only in the automotive industry but also in community citizenship,” said Cindy Griffin, executive director of HFHMCA. “Nissan – Canton’s sponsorship this year of a house on Greenview Drive is the latest in a long and generous history of their partnership with us. Nissan employees demonstrate the highest ideals of volunteerism, putting their hearts into action as they work alongside partner families, helping them build their new homes. We are proud to be their partner.”
Span is looking forward to working with Nissan employee volunteers on her house. “I can’t wait to get to know them and to thank them for all that they are doing for me and my family,” she said. “It is a truly a blessing for Nissan to sponsor my house. I thank God for this blessing, and I thank Habitat for giving me this opportunity. ”
To learn more about becoming a HFHMCA donor, volunteer or homeowner, please call 601-353-6060 or visit habitatmca.org.
