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Weyerhaeuser launches "Sheltering the Community" partnership with nonprofit shelter organizations
Weyerhaeuser launches "Sheltering the Community" partnership with nonprofit shelter organizations
Published 05-18-00
Submitted by Weyerhaeuser Company
In a continuing celebration of its 100th anniversary, Weyerhaeuser announced today a new, local "Sheltering the Community" partnership with Springfield-Eugene Habitat for Humanity and St. Vincent de Paul Society of Lane County, Inc. The collaboration will build two homes for low-income families and publicize the need for shelter in Lane County.
In its partnership, Weyerhaeuser will recruit employee volunteers during June and July to rehabilitate a house on property formerly used in the manufacture of illegal drugs, located in the historic section of downtown Springfield. In cooperation with the City of Springfield and U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), St. Vincent acquired the property for renovation. The house will become a "lease-to-own" home ownership opportunity for a St. Vincent client family.
Weyerhaeuser will also deploy employee volunteers in autumn for a major "house-raising" event to build a Habitat for Humanity home in the east Springfield "Ash Meadows" area. In addition, the company will promote St. Vincent and Habitat for Humanity during the Lane County Fair.
"Shelter is fundamental to human well-being," stated Brad Anderson, chair of Weyerhaeuser’s Lane County community council. "Most of us are fortunate to have our own homes. But for too many people, home ownership, or even an affordable rental, seems an unattainable dream. It’s a natural fit for Weyerhaeuser as a forest products company to help provide shelter for people in need."
In addition to employee labor, Weyerhaeuser will donate more than $10,000 worth of building materials produced or sold by its Lane County businesses. The materials may include framing lumber, wood panels, exterior siding and Trus Joist engineered wood flooring. Local managers will also apply for a WAVE (Weyerhaeuser Active Volunteer Employees) grant of up to $4,000 for both St. Vincent and Habitat for Humanity, as part of a corporate program to promote employee community service.
"Weyerhaeuser's commitment of labor, materials and money will help us turn an eyesore into a family home," explained Terry McDonald, St. Vincent de Paul executive director.
Florrie Turconi, executive director of Springfield/Eugene Habitat for Humanity, said, "We appreciate Weyerhaeuser’s commitment to help build another house and publicize our program. We offer a hands-on way to improve people’s lives dramatically."
During the luncheon at Hendricks Bridge County Park, on behalf of the Lane County commissioners, Lane County Parks Manager Bob Keefer dedicated a new picnic shelter. The shelter was established through WAVE volunteer labor and a $10,000 Weyerhaeuser grant this past year.
Representatives of the nonprofit organizations receiving "Centennial Grants" were also present. Cottage Grove Area Habitat for Humanity received $10,000 to purchase land for future homes. Looking Glass Youth and Family Services will remodel a youth shelter facility located on River Road in Eugene with a $5,000 donation. Project Starfish will get $5,000 to help homeless families obtain affordable housing and rebuild long-term stability. A $5,000 grant to Veterans Industries of Oregon will provide housing for disadvantaged veterans.
Weyerhaeuser began its 100th anniversary observance in January with a $35,000 gift to the American Red Cross, Lane County chapter. The money is helping Red Cross purchase a larger operations facility, enabling the agency to provide emergency relief and shelter more efficiently. Founded in Tacoma, Wash. in 1900, Weyerhaeuser Company (NYSE: WY) is one of the world’s largest integrated forest products companies.
