NEW YORK, NY - The New York Mets, Citi, Habitat For Humanity – New York City (Habitat-NYC) and members of the 1969 World Champion Mets including pitchers Tom Seaver and Jerry Koosman will team up to build affordable housing for New Yorkers this Thursday, August 20 and Saturday, August 22. The two-day initiative is part of President Obama's United We Serve program, a nationwide service initiative that will marshal volunteers to help meet growing social needs resulting from the economic downturn.
Mets '69 legends Seaver, Koosman, first baseman Ed Kranepool and coach Joe Pignatano will help complete Habitat-NYC's four-story affordable condominium complex on Eastern Parkway and Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn on Thursday, August 20.
The Atlantic Avenue homes are part of the largest multi-family Habitat for Humanity building ever constructed in the United States. Since 2007, more than 14,000 volunteers helped build this complex, which will provide 41 new homes to local low-income families. The complex meets LEED green building standards; by incorporating green materials and building techniques, Habitat-NYC will help protect the health—and pocketbooks—of its future inhabitants.
This Saturday, August 22, the entire 1969 Mets World Championship team will reunite for the "2009 Mets Miracle Build" at Citi Field where they will work with Citi, Mets, and Habitat volunteers to build a home for a low-income family. The build is part of the Mets and Citi's celebration of the 40th anniversary of the 1969 World Series championship. The "Miracle Mets" will later participate in a charity fundraiser to benefit the Mets Foundation and then be honored during a 6:45 p.m. pre-game ceremony before the Mets host the Philadelphia Phillies.
Citi is a long time supporter and partner of Habitat for Humanity. Since 2000, Citi and Habitat employees have built and helped create over 230 safe and affordable homes across the United States.
"As part of our continued commitment to New York City, Habitat for Humanity, United We Serve and the Mets, Citi is excited to take part in a wonderful opportunity to provide affordable housing to families in need," said Eric Eve, Senior Vice President, Global Community Relations, Citi. "Today, Citi, Habitat and the Mets have hit a home run for underserved New Yorkers."
"We are honored to have the opportunity to work with Citi and Habitat – NYC as part of our ongoing efforts to make a difference in the community," said Dave Howard, Executive Vice President, Business Operations, New York Mets. "We are thrilled that our 1969 World Championship team has made this project an important part of their anniversary weekend in New York."
"We are proud to partner with Citi and the '69 Mets as we work together to bring hardworking, low-income New York City families home," said Josh Lockwood, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity - New York City. "This is truly a 'Miracle Build' for the families who will finally achieve the American Dream."
"We salute Citi, Habitat for Humanity and the '69 Mets for answering President Obama's call to service," said Bob Grimm, Director of Research and Policy Development for the Corporation for National and Community Service, which is leading the President's United We Serve initiative. "This effort demonstrates the power of volunteers to get things done to help in our nation's recovery."
Source: Habitat for Humanity