EverBank and the Jacksonville Jaguars teamed up with HabiJax, Warrick Dunn Charities and Ashley Furniture to provide volunteers and funding for the construction and furnishing of a home for a deserving Jacksonville family. Construction began in March and EverBank associates, Jaguars players, coaches, staff and members of the ROAR cheerleaders worked on the future home of Octavia Jones and her three children.
"Jacksonville is EverBank's hometown and we want to help it thrive. Helping to build these homes is an investment in our community," said Rob Clements, EverBank's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "EverBank has a longstanding relationship with HabiJax and our associates cherish opportunities to volunteer."
Warrick Dunn, a former all-pro running back, founded "Homes for the Holidays" in 1997 as a way to memorialize his mother while giving hope and healing to communities. "Homes for the Holidays" rewards self-sufficient single parents who are actively trying to improve their lives through financial independence. To date, the program has made a difference for over 100 single parents, along with more than 300 children. Partnering with EverBank, HabiJax, the Jacksonville Jaguars, and Ashley Furniture, Warrick Dunn Charities was able to furnish the home to the complete surprise of Jones and her three children.
"Ms. Jones is a model recipient for the Homes for the Holidays program. She, like my mother worked tirelessly to support our family. I commend Ms. Jones for continuing her education and working to create a productive home environment for her family," said Warrick Dunn, Founder of Warrick Dunn Charities.
Working closely with HabiJax, Jones has completed over 300 hours of 'sweat equity,' or volunteer service, participated in financial literacy workshops, and provided a down payment to meet HabiJax guidelines and qualify to purchase a home.
"We are truly grateful to EverBank, the Jacksonville Jaguars and Warrick Dunn Charities for their generous donations and for helping Octavia and her family realize the dream of homeownership," said HabiJax President & CEO Mary Kay O'Rourke. "We appreciate their support and contributions to our mission of providing affordable homeownership opportunities to Jacksonville families."
Peter Racine, President of the Jaguars Foundation added, "This partnership represents the amazing things that happen when we work together for the good of our community. There are no better examples of this type of leadership than HabiJax, EverBank and Ashley Furniture in their commitment to building strong families and neighborhoods. The Jaguars organization shares this commitment. Warrick Dunn and his vision providing Octavia and her family with a completely new and vibrant furnished home setting takes this partnership to the next level."
EverBank has partnered with HabiJax since 1995, working on 70 houses and contributing over 900 employee volunteer hours annually. HabiJax is the Jacksonville affiliate of Habitat for Humanity. To learn more about volunteering with HabiJax and their mission, please visit www.habijax.org.
ABOUT EVERBANK FINANCIAL CORP
EverBank Financial Corp, through its wholly-owned subsidiary EverBank, provides a diverse range of financial products and services directly to clients nationwide through multiple business channels. Headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, EverBank had $17.6 billion in assets and $13.3 billion in deposits as of March 31, 2014. With an emphasis on value, innovation and service, EverBank offers a broad selection of banking, lending and investing products to consumers and businesses. EverBank provides services to clients through the internet, over the phone, through the mail, at its Florida-based financial centers and at other business offices throughout the country. More information on EverBank can be found at www.abouteverbank.com.
ABOUT HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF JACKSONVILLE, INC. (HABIJAX):
Habitat for Humanity of Jacksonville, also known as HabiJax, was founded in 1988 and has become the largest non-profit affordable housing provider in Duval County. HabiJax is considered to be one of the most successful Habitat for Humanity affiliates in the United States, having provided homeownership opportunities and other housing services to more than 1,900 families. In addition, HabiJax is an advocate for affordable housing and fair housing policies and provides workshops and other trainings to help families improve their housing conditions. For more information, to donate or to volunteer, visit
