The Good Neighbor Awards honor organizations and individuals who have made an exemplary and inspiring difference in the community during Rebuilding Together’s annual Building a Healthy Neighborhood projects. Since 2010, Lowe’s has partnered with Rebuilding Together to revitalize neighborhoods across the United States. More than 100 Lowe’s Heroes from 15 area stores were among nearly 1,000 volunteers who transformed the Overbrook neighborhood in west Philadelphia.
“This lit the spark. This project energized so many neighbors to remember what community is all about and all that this community can be with each of our contributions,” said Jerome Shabazz, executive director of the Overbrook Environmental Education Center. “What you all did are the things people will share with their grandkids when they remember the events that marked and changed their lives.”
The Dallas Area Habitat for Humanity recognized Lowe’s for our contributions during National Hispanic Heritage Month. To celebrate the annual observance and assist families in need, Lowe’s donated $200,000 and provided the help of Lowe’s Heroes to build two homes and make critical repairs to three existing homes in Dallas and Houston.
The Habitat affiliate in Dallas honored Jim Rivera, store manager at Lowe’s of Southwest Dallas, with its Sponsor Coordinator Award for his efforts overseeing the Dallas build. Rivera supervised nearly 100 Lowe’s Heroes from 15 area stores. The Dallas Area Habitat for Humanity thanked Rivera for being on site every Saturday to check in and organize volunteers and for his commitment beyond the project. Rivera hired the new homeowner at Lowe’s, ensuring the single father could spend more time with his two young children and would no longer have to work nights.
“Jim has demonstrated that he’s dedicated to the Lowe’s volunteers, the homeowner and Dallas Habitat and its mission of serving families,” said Erin Hooper, manager of foundation relations for the Habitat affiliate. “Even after the build, Jim continues to be an advocate for Dallas Habitat. We are incredibly grateful for his commitment and selflessness.”
The city of Elmira, N.Y., recognized Lowe’s for the tornado-recovery work we completed in partnership with the First Response Team of America. Gov. Andrew Cuomo declared a state of emergency for surrounding Chemung County after a tornado tore through the town, downing hundreds of trees and blocking roads. The city wasn’t equipped to quickly move the large amount of debris. With the support of Lowe’s Heroes, the First Response Team coordinated with the county, city and parks department and worked around the clock to clear roads and assist the community.
“The scene in Elmira was a complete devastation of trees,” said Elmira Mayor Susan Skidmore. “Our local Lowe’s Heroes were raking and hauling and moving debris with the First Response Team. To know there are local companies that help in relief aid right in their own backyards is a comforting feeling. They saved us at least two weeks’ worth of cleanup time and effort. Our city budgets never allow for such tragedies. This was help beyond any expectations.”
First Response Team of America
Teaming Up for New Start
Rebuilding Together