When the New York Mets kick off the baseball season on April 3, they will also be helping Habitat for Humanity launch its first nationwide cause campaign, Home is the Key, which aims to raise awareness of and support for affordable housing in the country and around the world.
The campaign will gather sponsors, celebrities and community leaders for a month of activities and build events across the country. Consumers can help Habitat's efforts by purchasing products from participating partners, sharing #HomeIsTheKey on social media, or donating at habitat.org.
"We all need decent shelter to thrive, and yet many in the U.S. live in inadequate housing conditions, creating a significant barrier to opportunity, success and health," said Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International. "Home is the Key reminds us that home is more than just bricks and mortar. A home unlocks the opportunity for a better life and we hope people see that, by donating to Habitat, they're opening the door to strength and stability for millions of families who need a hand up."
Country music star Eric Paslay and HGTV personality Chip Wade have signed on to lend their support and raise awareness of the transformational impact a decent, affordable home can have on a family and community.
"As a designer, builder and contractor, home is such an important part of every aspect of my life," said Wade. "My home is the source of my serenity, my security and my confidence to continue pursuing my passions – it's truly the foundation of all of my success, professionally and personally. Everyone deserves the opportunity to unlock the bright future a decent, affordable place to live can provide, which is why I'm proud to support Habitat for Humanity."
Thanks to partners that have joined the campaign, numerous opportunities are available in April for the public to get involved or to help generate awareness of the need for affordable housing:
Nissan: For every #HomeIsTheKey social post, Nissan will donate $1 to Habitat, up to $250,000. Nissan and Habitat have partnered together for over a decade and have helped families all over the world build and own their home.
At Home Stores: The home décor superstore will sell special edition candles with 100 percent of the proceeds going to Habitat. Opportunities to donate at check-out will also be available.
BLACK+DECKER: Building on a 25-year local partnership with Habitat, BLACK+DECKER will use its social media channels to promote the campaign and drive awareness of the need for decent, affordable housing.
Kum & Go Convenience Stores: Customers will have the opportunity to donate to Habitat at checkout. Continuing its annual in-store fundraising competition for the fourth year, Kum & Go will build a new Habitat home in the community that raises the most donations.
HSN Cares and Ballard Designs: Habitat will be the featured nonprofit partner for HSN and Ballard Designs in April. Shoppers can contribute throughout the month. HSN Cares is sponsoring and volunteering to build two homes in their hometown of St. Petersburg, Florida, alongside two future Habitat homeowners.
Sur La Table Stores: At-register or online donations will be available and a portion of the proceeds from sales of Scanpan cookware will benefit Habitat.