Galveston Bay Team Helps Make Dream Come True for First-Time Homeowner

Rhea-AI Summary

Marathon Petroleum's Galveston Bay refinery partnered with Bay Area Habitat for Humanity Houston to help a single mother, April Laijas, purchase her first home. Employee volunteers from Marathon Petroleum contributed to building her three-bedroom house in Texas City. This is the 172nd home built since the program began in 1991. Families like Laijas must complete 300 hours of 'sweat equity' and attend financial courses to qualify. The initiative highlights Marathon Petroleum's community support and the rewarding experience for involved employees.

Positive

• Marathon Petroleum's community involvement enhances corporate social responsibility (CSR) image.
• Employee participation in building projects fosters teamwork and morale.
• Completion of the 172nd home reflects the program's long-term success and impact.
• The partnership with Bay Area Habitat for Humanity strengthens local community ties.

Negative

• The press release lacks concrete financial data or metrics directly tied to the company's stock performance.
• No information is provided on the costs or financial impact of the sponsorship on Marathon Petroleum.
• The event may have direct impact on shareholder value or stock price, being more of a CSR activity.

• Marathon Petroleum's Galveston Bay refinery partnered with Bay Area Habitat for Humanity Houston to fulfill the dream of a single mother who wanted to purchase her own home.
• In addition to sponsoring the habitat build, employee volunteers from Marathon Petroleum took part in building the three-bedroom home in Texas City.
• This marked the 172nd home built through the non-profit and its community partners since the program launched in 1991.

NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / June 3, 2024 / Born and raised in Galveston County, Texas, April Laijas had always dreamed of owning her own home. On Tuesday, April 16, 2024, that dream came true for the single mother of two when she received the keys to her brand-new house in Texas City.

"As a single mom watching home prices always going up, I wasn't sure if this day would ever be possible," Laijas said. "I am beyond excited to start making memories with my girls that we will cherish for years to come."

The path to her new reality was made possible through the Bay Area Habitat for Humanity in Houston (BAHFH), with support from local businesses like Marathon Petroleum's Galveston Bay refinery, a sponsor of the project. Families interested in purchasing a home through BAHFH must meet certain criteria. Members of the household are required to give 300 hours of "sweat equity" toward building the home as well as other Habitat homes and attend specific financial budgeting and homeownership courses.

"From start to finish, this has been such a rewarding process to be involved in," said Vice President of Refining Dave Leaver. "It's an incredible feeling to know our people played a role in helping to make this family's dream come true."

About a dozen employee volunteers from Marathon Petroleum took part in construction of the three-bedroom home, which broke ground in late 2023. Refinery Maintenance Foreman Cory Bush took it a step farther by donating a washer and dryer to April and her family.

"So many people in our community came together to support this deserving mom and her two girls," Bush said. "To see the smiles on their faces at the dedication event was such a powerful moment to witness and something I will never forget."

This marked the 172nd home dedicated by BAHFH since the non-profit was founded in 1991.

"We are so grateful to all who came together to build this beautiful home," said Megan Scheffer, Executive Director of Bay Area Habitat for Humanity Houston. "Every nail, every hand and every dollar helped turn April's dream of homeownership into reality, and we could not have done this without you."

Marathon Petroleum employees Iman Montgomery (left), Dave Leaver, (center) and Cory Bush (right) with new homeowner April Laijas at the April 17 home dedication event. Photo credit: Adam Presley, Photographer

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Marathon Petroleum Corporation on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:
Spokesperson: Marathon Petroleum Corporation
Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/marathon-petroleum-corporation
Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Marathon Petroleum Corporation

View the original press release on accesswire.com

FAQ

What did Marathon Petroleum do for Bay Area Habitat for Humanity in 2024?

Marathon Petroleum sponsored and contributed to building a home for a single mother in Texas City.

How many homes has Bay Area Habitat for Humanity built with community partners since 1991?

They have built 172 homes since the program launched in 1991.

What is required for families to qualify for a home through Bay Area Habitat for Humanity?

Families must complete 300 hours of 'sweat equity' and attend financial and homeownership courses.

How did Marathon Petroleum employees contribute to the home building project?

About a dozen employees volunteered in the construction of the three-bedroom home.

What additional contribution did a Marathon Petroleum employee make to the new homeowner?

Refinery Maintenance Foreman Cory Bush donated a washer and dryer to the family.