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Bank of America military veterans are a blessing to Atlanta Habitat Homebuyer

November 9, 2018

Veterans to help build November 17, 7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.‍

Members from Bank of America’s military veteran employee network group will help an Atlanta Habitat for Humanity family build their first home in East Point on November
17. John Pankey, a recently ordained minister, and his wife are thrilled to reach a key financial milestone while being part of a long-term effort to boost affordable housing in Atlanta’s high need communities.

“The volunteers are giving up part of themselves to help someone they don’t know, which shows their love for humanity; and it’s a great blessing to us,” said first-time homebuyer Pankey.

Since October 6, several dozen bank employees have shared their Saturdays with the Pankeys, building a house and lasting friendships. “These are our new friends. We already have plans to have them over for dinner when we move in,” said Pankey.

Next up, 20 employees from Bank of America’s Military Support and Assistance Group (MSAG) will partner with the Pankeys and 20 additional veterans to install interior trim and paint the interior and exterior of the four-bedroom, two-bath house.

MSAG connects the bank’s veterans, family members and colleagues to network, develop in their careers, and give back to communities. Since 2013, more than 100 MSAG volunteers have worked alongside veterans for the annual Habitat build.

“This is an unbelievable honor to have men and women who protected our country to now give their time to help us. The blessings just keep coming, and we can’t thank Bank of America enough,” said Pankey.

Bank of America has collaborated with Atlanta Habitat since 1993. During that period, more than 6,000 employee-volunteers have helped 24 families build safe, decent places to live in Atlanta.

“Owning a home is an important step toward financial security and plays a critical role in advancing communities and creating more stable economies,” said Tony Hilliard, Bank of America Merrill Lynch, and Navy veteran. “By partnering with Habitat here in Atlanta to establish affordable housing in high-need neighborhoods, Bank of America is helping current and future homeowners build a stable, financial future.”

Pankey became a minister after retiring from the hospitality industry. He and his wife have a 20-month-old son. Pankey says this new home is for their baby: “This is our way of making sure he has the foundation to grow and succeed long after I’m gone.”

“Bank of America is one of our valued house sponsors that help us to provide life-changing opportunities to families like the Pankey’s. House sponsors help Atlanta Habitat to off-set the cost of building homes for low-income families and offer affordable, zero-interest mortgages,” says Lisa Gordon, Atlanta Habitat President & CEO. “We are grateful for their commitment to our families.”

About Bank of America

At Bank of America, we’re guided by a common purpose to help make financial lives better, through the power of every connection. We’re delivering on this through responsible growth with a focus on our environmental, social and governance (ESG) leadership. ESG is embedded across our eight lines of business and reflects how we help fuel the global economy, build trust and credibility, and represent a company that people want to work for, invest in and do business with. It’s demonstrated in the inclusive and supportive workplace we create for our employees, the responsible products and services we offer our clients, and the impact we make around the world in helping local economies thrive. An important part of this work is forming strong partnerships with nonprofits and advocacy groups, such as community, consumer and environmental organizations, to bring together our collective networks and expertise to achieve greater impact. Learn more at about.bankofamerica.com, and connect with us on Twitter at @BofA_News.