The Wells Fargo Foundation has announced a $7.5 million grant to Habitat for Humanity International to build and repair more than 360 homes nationwide, including making accessibility modifications to meet the needs of low-income older adults and people with disabilities. 

The grant was announced in Des Moines, Iowa, as part of a citywide repair event with Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity, where roughly 130 Wells Fargo and community volunteers completed critical home repairs and updates to help up to a dozen local homeowners. In Iowa and across the United States, roughly 20 percent of the population will be 65 or older by 2030. Yet, more than 19 million older adults are living in homes that are in disrepair or ill equipped to meet changing mobility needs, according to Habitat for Humanity.

“As a company, we’re committed to bringing homeownership to more families so they can pass that legacy on and grow generational wealth,” said Mary Mack, the CEO of Consumer and Small Business Banking for Wells Fargo and a Habitat for Humanity International board member. “We’re proud to join Habitat for Humanity once again to create more quality, affordable, and accessible homes through new construction and renovation projects to help families and older adults remain in their homes and communities they love.” 

“Safe and accessible housing is a key social determinant of health and helps to improve longevity and overall quality of life,” said Habitat for Humanity International chief development officer Tolli Love. “With the support of Wells Fargo this year, we will work together to make a greater impact in communities across the country, including advancing both housing and health equity for older Americans.” 

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