Jacksonville, FL — August 1, 2018 — Today, TIAA Bank and the Jacksonville Jaguars broke ground on a brand new HabiJax home in the Allendale neighborhood of Jacksonville. The house represents the launch of One Team. One Home., a five-year, $2 million pledge between TIAA Bank and the Jaguars to help build or repair 100 homes in Northeast Florida. Click here to download photos from the event.
"We're excited to begin our first home of 100 homes today with the Jaguars," said Blake Wilson, president and CEO of TIAA Bank. "Through One Team. One Home., we're helping grow a thriving community in the places we call home."
Construction of the first home will begin on September 14, 2018. The home is tentatively scheduled to be complete in early December for LaTasha Williams and her four children who currently live in subsidized housing. TIAA Bank, Jaguars employees and players, as well as fans and volunteers will work on the house throughout the building process.
"We've teamed up with TIAA Bank for many years on an annual home build, and are proud to expand that effort through the One Team. One Home. initiative," said Jaguars president Mark Lamping. "First Coast families like the Williams deserve a home in which they can grow and thrive. The Jaguars play a significant role in creating a genuine sense of community in Jacksonville, and our players, cheerleaders, staff and fans are excited to get to work."
Working closely with HabiJax, the Williams family will have completed over 300 hours of "sweat equity," or volunteer service, participated in financial literacy workshops and provided a down payment to meet Habitat for Humanity guidelines and qualify to purchase a home.
"We are so grateful that TIAA Bank and the Jaguars are supporting the work of Habitat for Humanity affiliates throughout Northeast Florida through this amazing initiative," said Mary Kay O'Rourke, president & CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Jacksonville (HabiJax). "The One Team. One Home. initiative will greatly benefit families in Jacksonville and throughout Northeast Florida with affordable homeownership opportunities and allow other homeowners to stay safely in their homes with repair projects."
The One Team. One Home. campaign was announced by TIAA Bank and the Jaguars earlier this year at the team's annual State of the Franchise presentation. The two organizations will each contribute $1 million over the next five years to help build or repair homes in Northeast Florida. The homes will be part of a collaboration with various Habitat for Humanity affiliates including lead partner HabiJax affiliates of the Jacksonville Beaches, Clay County, Nassau County, St. John's County, Putnam County and Greater Volusia County. TIAA Bank, Jaguars employees and players, as well as fans will join in to volunteer.
