Building Community: Our Partnership with Habitat for Humanity
A proud supporter of Habitat for Humanity for more than two decades, Simpson Strong-Tie has been a national sponsor of Habitat for Humanity International since 2007, donating more than $2.5 million in cash and products. The contribution has helped support numerous Habitat houses across North America as well as U.S. and international programs. In addition, Simpson Strong-Tie employees have contributed hundreds of volunteer hours in building homes and training local Habitat affiliates along with joining the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Projects to repair and build homes affected by natural disasters.
Habitat Strong
In 2016, Habitat for Humanity launched a new program, Habitat Strong, to help its affiliates build more resilient and stronger homes using criteria established by the IBHS® (Institute for Business & Home Safety). Simpson Strong-Tie is proud to be a major sponsor of the program.
Habitat affiliates throughout the country are being invited to participate in training sessions for building to IBHS FORTIFIED Home™ standards. The Habitat Strong program was developed specifically for the Habitat model to be affordable and volunteer-friendly, while offering benefits to partner families that will last for years to come.
Habitat Strong also hosts an annual design contest for all affiliates, with a $25,000 grand prize for best design. The Habitat Strong program was developed specifically for the Habitat model to be affordable and volunteer-friendly, while offering benefits to partner families that will last for years to come. See the case studies below for examples of how Habitat Strong has successfully helped Habitat affiliates throughout the country.
Carter Work Project
Simpson Strong-Tie is a strong supporter of Habitat's Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project. Most recently, in August 2016, twelve Simpson Strong-Tie employees participated in the 33rd annual project. The week-long effort of building, renovating and repairing homes in Memphis, TN, brought together thousands of volunteers along with former President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn.
About Habitat for Humanity International
Driven by the vision that everyone needs a decent place to live, Habitat for Humanity has grown from a grassroots effort that began on a community farm in southern Georgia in 1976 to a global nonprofit housing organization in nearly 1,400 communities across the U.S. and in over 70 countries. People 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.
Case Studies
Habitat for Humanity of the Middle Keys Case Study
Habitat of the Middle Keys uses a metal roof on each of its homes. This tactic is growing in popularity at Habitat job sites across the country. When installed properly, metal roofs provide excellent durability and longevity.
Houston Habitat for Humanity Case Study
Houston Habitat for Humanity builds homes that are both hazard-resistant and energyefficient, that can resist high winds and wind-driven rain, and with features that reduce energy costs in use and maintenance. Houston verifies the homes’ performance through the FORTIFIED Home program and the ENERGY STAR for Homes program.
Habitat for Humanity of Tuscaloosa Case Study
Being in an area prone to disasters, Habitat for for Humanity of Tuscaloosa builds a safe room in each of its homes. Typically a closet, the room doesn’t compromise the Habitat home layout but does create value beyond storage space. These safe rooms are designed to exceed Federal Emergency Management Agency guidelines while fitting a volunteer-conscious construction model.
Two Rivers Habitat for Humanity Case Study
Two Rivers Habitat for Humanity completed Minnesota’s first designated IBHS FORTIFIED Home™ — awarded Gold Designation for High Wind and Hail in 2018 — and followed that with the first Silver Designation in 2019. Two Rivers Habitat often builds homes for large and extended families and sees the extra durability measures as additional insurance for homebuyers’ investment.
Habitat for Humanity of Tuscaloosa Case Study
When developing the scope of work for a roof repair, Habitat of Tuscaloosa designs to build a better roof than the one before. It uses repair guidelines developed by the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety and designates repair projects through the FORTIFIED Home program for existing roofs.