Hopeful first-time homeowners need our help.
Reuters analysts report the number of entry-level homes for sale has fallen by a stunning 34 percent since 2012. That’s a cause for concern because as starter home inventory dries up, communities suffer the effects. On the flip side, statistics show that home ownership leads to general wellness. For example, the graduation rate for children of homeowners is nearly four times higher than renters; and, 74 percent of homeowners report that their family’s overall health had improved since they moved into their home.
Many housing and building industry experts have sounded the alarm. Among them, one leading building products manufacturer – Ply Gem – is working hard to rally home remodelers and contractors to the cause with a program called the Home for Good project.
Stronger Communities
The Home for Good project is how building products leader Ply Gem is rolling up its sleeves in time, talent, and the donation of building materials valued at more than $1 million to help put the dream home ownership within the reach of more Americans. In 2016 alone, Ply Gem helped to build 300 homes in more than 60 communities across the U.S.
“Ply Gem’s Home for Good project is a major commitment,” explains Gary E. Robinette, Ply Gem chairman and CEO. “It’s central to our core values to give back to the communities we live and work in. It’s the right thing to do.”
Trusted Partner
A major aspect of the Ply Gem Home for Good project is its support of Habitat for Humanity, ranked as the nation’s No.1 private home builder according to BUILDER’s 2016 Builder 100 list and the “Most Trusted” brand in its category (Harris Poll). Among other activities, Ply Gem is the presenting sponsor of Habitat’s annual volunteer home-building event, Home Builders Blitz.
It’s expected that more than 240 homes will be constructed during the week-long Blitz, scheduled for June 5-12, 2017. To date, the all-volunteer Blitz initiative has accounted for 1,700 starter homes across 300-plus U.S. communities. Hundreds of volunteers have already pledged to serve across dozens of communities this year.
Grammy Award Winner
To help spread the word, Ply Gem has also partnered with Grammy Award-winning artist Darius Rucker as the ambassador of the Home for Good project. The acclaimed singer is lending support to the cause in an effort to raise awareness and inspire action.
Robinette says, “We want home builders and contractors to seek opportunities to roll up their sleeves and join us during Home Builders Blitz, and throughout the rest of this year. But we also want them to be aware of the positive impact affordable housing has on local families and communities. It all starts with a safe, decent entry-level home.”
For home builders, volunteering to participate during an event like Home Builders Blitz is a pay-it-forward opportunity to link their company with an exceptionally respected, high-visibility cause within their community. Robinette suggests that can mean more than good will. It can be an important business differentiator.
91 Percent
According to research, 91 percent of consumers say that they will switch companies because of the company’s affiliation to a good cause. The Ply Gem Home for Good project is helping to raise awareness and good will through an aggressive print ad, radio, and social media campaign and high profile program ambassador Darius Rucker. What’s more, Ply Gem has garnered the support of thousands of industry allies who are helping to spread the word through in-branch merchandising and social media sharing.
“The response to the Ply Gem Home for Good project been overwhelmingly positive,” Robinette observes. “More than 20,000 professionals and home remodelers have already pledged their support. We look forward to welcoming many more throughout the year.”
