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Community Corner

First Federal of Bucks County Helps Build Neighborhoods – Literally

Since its founding in 1885, First Federal of Bucks County has helped hundreds of people build their dream homes in Bucks County through low-cost mortgages and other affordable home financing services.

On May 17, 2014, though, First Federal of Bucks County took a more hands-on approach to addressing the area’s housing needs.

Board members of First Federal of Bucks County, along with members of their families, volunteered with Habitat for Humanity of Bucks County at a wall building event in Warrington. Starting at 8 a.m., they took up hammers, saws, and T-squares and spent five hours constructing wall sections. Those wall sections will become part of a new home built for a Habitat for Humanity family on land in Croydon that the bank donated in November 2013. Like all other Habitat projects, the Croydon project will help provide affordable homes, better lives, stronger families, and safer communities throughout Bucks County.

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“First Federal of Bucks County previously has donated money and land to Habitat for Humanity of Bucks County, but events like this allow us to donate our time – and to do so in a way that is very meaningful for our volunteers in a personal way,” said Jeane Coyle, President and CEO of First Federal of Bucks County.

The team of First Federal volunteers, many of whom had little or no previous construction experience, used the parking lot at the Bux-Mont Christian Church as a construction area and assembled an impressive 56 wall sections before the day was done.

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“It is great to be able to support Habitat for Humanity in any way that we can, but this hands-on work was particularly special,” said Robert O. Baldi, First Federal of Bucks County Board Member. “When you’re using a hammer to nail together the walls that will provide a home to a family in our community, you can really feel the impact – in more ways than one.”

“Habitat for Humanity of Bucks County has learned that it can rely on the support of First Federal of Bucks County,” said Executive Director Florence Kawoczka.

“Working with all the community volunteers sponsored by Crossroads Mission and Bux-Mont Christian Church, the First Federal team stepped up to panelize the walls for our upcoming home in Croydon,” Kawoczka said. “All of us at Habitat Bucks appreciate the generous support of the entire First Federal organization.” 

First Federal of Bucks County volunteers will rejoin Habitat Bucks later this year to begin building that home in Croydon.

Since its founding in 1990, Habitat Bucks has built 93 affordable homes in Bucks County.  In 2011, the nonprofit launched A Brush with Kindness, providing exterior home repairs for low-income homeowners. Habitat relies on the generosity and commitment of its neighbors and partner families to provide these resources.

About First Federal of Bucks County

Founded in 1885, First Federal of Bucks County, with $706 million in assets, operates 11 offices throughout Bucks County. Because it is a Federally Chartered Mutual Savings Association, the bank is not publicly traded and is “owned” by the Association’s customers. The mission of First Federal is to serve businesses and individuals in Bucks County and the surrounding counties – and to be an integral part of the community. For additional information, visit us at www.firstfedbucks.com.

About Habitat Bucks

It is the mission of Habitat for Humanity of Bucks County to build affordable homes, better lives, stronger families, and safer, revitalized communities through partnerships with people and organizations throughout Bucks County. Founded on Christian principles, we offer the opportunity for all people regardless of religious or cultural background to make safe, simple, affordable housing a matter of conscience and action. For more information about Habitat Bucks, please call 215.822.2812 or visit www.habitatbucks.org.

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