Nationwide, 84 Habitat affiliates and Habitat for Humanity International will benefit from MacKenzie Scott’s massive $436M donation
Habitat Catawba Valley is honored to announce a transformational $2.5 million unrestricted gift from author and philanthropist MacKenzie Scott. Out of 1,000 U.S. affiliates, Habitat Catawba Valley is proud to be selected along with 83 sister affiliates and Habitat for Humanity International as a beneficiary of this unprecedented $436 million total donation. This transformative gift will substantially help further Habitat’s vision of a world where everyone has equitable access to a safe, decent and affordable place to call home.
“MacKenzie Scott’s generosity is truly transformational not only for Habitat Catawba Valley, but also for disrupting the established philanthropy model,” explains Habitat Catawba Valley Executive Director, Mitzi Gellman. “Her belief in the value of our work, as demonstrated by the unrestricted nature of this gift, allows us to leverage its impact where it matters the most.”
In the Catawba Valley, our most vulnerable residents face the ongoing burden of living in the oldest stock in the state – along with new pressures from the economic fallout of the pandemic and its aftermath, and crippling housing prices due to this unprecedented housing market. This gift allows Habitat Catawba Valley to act on long established priority areas, while still being responsive to the changing landscape of affordable housing needs.
Ms. Scott’s contribution is more than just an infusion of much needed financial support – it’s a force multiplier that enables Habitat Catawba Valley to revitalize neighborhoods, prioritize equitable development, pursue innovative housing solutions, leverage partnerships, and build solid foundations for our neighbors and our community.
Habitat Catawba Valley plans to use this gift as an accelerant to bolster affordable housing and home repair throughout our service area, revitalize underinvested communities historically blocked from economic opportunities due to racial inequities, and advocate for policy and systems changes that will increase access and drive the volume of affordable homeownership opportunities for lower wealth families and individuals.
“The size of this gift speaks to the magnitude of need when it comes to affordable housing. This is a critical juncture in our community’s housing growth, and it is imperative that we act with urgency and innovation to ensure the door to homeownership doesn’t close permanently to our neighbors who need it most,” explains Gellman. “Ms. Scott’s gift is an investment in families and in futures. We hope her generosity will inspire other change agents to come alongside her and act for shelter. Together, we can build more, serve more, and do more for our neighbors and our community.”
