MultiCare, Habitat partner to transform lives through home donations
MultiCare Health System recently donated four unused properties in Tacoma’s historic Wedge Neighborhood to Tacoma/Pierce County Habitat for Humanity as part of a project that will renovate the homes so they can be resold as private residences. The proceeds will be used to fund the construction of a new Habitat neighborhood across the city.
“Habitat is an outstanding organization dedicated to making sure families have affordable and safe housing. Partnering with them on this project supports MultiCare’s mission of creating a healthy future for our community,” says Bill Robertson, President and CEO of MultiCare Health System. “This donation will help launch a community and have a lasting, positive impact on the lives of the families who will live there.”
The not-for-profit health system purchased the four homes, some of which are now more than 100 years old, as part of expansion plans for its Tacoma campus that never came to fruition. Habitat for Humanity will renovate the houses this year to prepare them for sale, as they would not be suitable for transition to Habitat residences. Proceeds will support construction of a new 11-home Habitat for Humanity development in Tacoma that is scheduled to begin in 2019.
“Habitat is honored and grateful to accept the gift of these four houses from MultiCare,” says Maureen Fife, CEO of Tacoma/Pierce County Habitat for Humanity. “Through volunteer labor and creative community collaborations, we will rehab and sell these houses. Net proceeds will support the construction of 11 new affordable homes for our homeownership program. This is truly a gift that will launch a neighborhood. On behalf of our Board of Directors and staff, I want to express my appreciation for our strong partnership with MultiCare. Together we are working toward our vision where everyone in our community has a safe and affordable place to live.”
MultiCare employees are also participating in the renovation work, continuing a relationship between the two organizations that goes back to 2012 and averaging 30-35 volunteers annually.
“It’s nice to give back to the community for even just for a day,” says volunteer Tara Bayudan, a nursing assistant at MultiCare Good Samaritan Hospital, who worked at the 407 South M street home on Feb. 22. She says helping with the demolition was very much like being in the home renovation TV shows she enjoys watching at home.
According to Fife, the first of the four homes is expected to go on the market in late spring, with others following in the months to come.
