The Bank of America Charitable Foundation announced $190,000 in housing grants to 10 nonprofits serving the greater Phoenix metropolitan area. This investment will help improve access to affordable housing, preserve neighborhoods, provide financial education and coaching for future homeowners, and support organizations and initiatives that contribute to the success of local communities.

The economic recession has had a lasting effect on many, particularly veterans and low- to moderate-income families.

“We’re working with community partners to help connect individuals and families to affordable housing as a first step toward long-term financial stability,” said Benito Almanza, Bank of America.  “It’s part of our broader efforts to help improve the financial lives of our customers, clients and communities.”

Some of the Phoenix nonprofits receiving grants include:

  • Rebuilding Together Valley of the Sun for a program to build wheelchair ramps for elderly and disabled low-income individuals living in mobile homes.
  • Habitat for Humanity to renovate, repair and prepare homes for individuals and families in need.
  • Newtown Community Development Corporation to increase the supply of permanently affordable housing while developing and supporting homebuyers through innovative programs and partnerships.

“For many of our neighbors, illness, old age, and poverty have crept upon them and they have become stranded in their homes, no longer able to maneuver the steps outside their doors and unable to afford to have a ramp built,” said Rebuilding Together Valley of the Sun Executive Director Dennis Flynn.  “With support from Bank of America, we can extend the Arizona Ramp Project to many more homeowners to help them regain their independence.”

Bank of America is also awarding grants to Arizona Housing Alliance, Arizona Housing, Inc., Chicanos Por La Causa, Greater Phoenix Urban League, Local Initiatives Support Corporation, Trellis (formerly NHS Phoenix).

In addition to more than $22 million in housing grants to more than 650 nonprofits addressing housing needs across the U.S. Bank of America offers assistance and educational support to provide more transparency and clarity about the homebuying process, including working with more than 550 housing counseling agencies approved by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.