Chico’s FAS, Inc. helps Atlanta Habitat Homebuyer make that ‘big step’

Atlanta Habitat for Humanity homebuyer LaSheika Hardy will have a toolbelt filled with nails, a hammer and earplugs, and help from Chico’s FAS volunteers as she spends the next eight Saturdays building her new home.

About two dozen local Chico’s FAS volunteers will join Hardy and her mother for the construction of their four-bedroom, two-bath house in East Point, Georgia. This home marks the seventh house sponsored this year in the U.S. by Habitat’s new national partner, Chico’s FAS, which is the parent company of women’s specialty retailers Chico’s, White House Black Market and Soma.

“Atlanta Habitat empowers families through our first-time homebuyer program, and we are delighted to have a partner like Chico’s FAS, whose brand inspires women, joining in our commitment to provide affordable homeownership opportunities for hard-working moms like Ms. Hardy,” says Atlanta Habitat President/CEO Lisa Y. Gordon.

Nearly 70 percent of Atlanta Habitat’s first-time homebuyers are single mothers who often work low-wage jobs to support their families. When they become Atlanta Habitat homeowners, the nonprofit homebuilder offers additional programs to fuel the long- term success of homeowners. Programs include education and entrepreneur scholarships and grants as well as additional classes on budgeting and home maintenance.

“I’m ready!” says Hardy who adds that she never thought she could afford to buy a home for her 11-year-old son and herself: “It’s a big step in my life. I’m grateful for Atlanta Habitat’s counselors for guiding me through the buying process and for Chico’s, White House Black Market and Soma for believing in women like me.”

Chico’s FAS launched a national partnership with Habitat for Humanity International earlier this year that includes supporting Habitat’s 2018 Women Build program, which recruits, educates and inspires women to build and advocate for safe and affordable shelter in their communities.

About Chico’s FAS, Inc.‍

The Company, through its brands – Chico’s, White House Black Market and Soma, is a leading omni-channel specialty retailer of women’s private branded, sophisticated, casual-to-dressy clothing, intimates and complementary accessories. As of May 5, 2018, the Company operated 1,451 stores in the US and Canada and sold merchandise through 94 franchise locations in Mexico. The Company’s merchandise is also available at www.chicos.com, www.chicosofftherack.com, www.whbm.com and www.soma.com.

Media Contact:‍

Jill Strickland Luse
Atlanta Habitat for Humanity jill.stricklandluse@atlantahabitat.org or 404-822-0145