Arvest Bank partners with Habitat for 13 homes

According to the National Low Income Housing Coalition, 95 million Americans, or one-third of the nation’s population, have housing problems. Habitat for Humanity of Springfield has helped more than 104 families build, finance and own homes, and the organization plans to build 12 more in 2008.

“We’re so grateful to have Arvest Bank make such a sizeable donation to help Habitat build homes in Missouri, Arkansas and Oklahoma,” said Anna Codutti, director of development and community relations for Habitat-Springfield, in an Arvest news release. “We’re just glad we’re still able to help these families, and it’s greatly due to businesses and organizations like Arvest.”

In addition to the money pledged, Arvest plans to raise $150,000 this summer through associate campaigns and in-branch “paper brick” sales for $1 at all Arvest locations. All funds raised through contributions at local branches directly benefit Habitat-Springfield, the release said.

Construction on the partnership’s first home will begin in June in Tulsa, Okla. Projects will begin this summer in Neosho and Carthage, and a partial build will begin in Springfield in 2010, the release said.