Manatee County, Fla.: Bank OZK (Nasdaq: OZK) has committed to funding one Manatee County Habitat for Humanity (Manatee Habitat) home every year for the next three years, totaling approximately $380,000 in donations. The money donated this year will fund a house for prospective homeowner, LaShawn’te, and her three children.
An early childhood educator and single mother of four, LaShawn’te currently lives in a rental home with three of her children. With a skyrocketing housing market, her rent has increased every year since they moved in.
Thanks to Bank OZK, LaShawn’te and her children will move into their 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home in Manatee Habitat’s Palmetto Triangle community in the summer of 2023. In addition to funding three homes over the next three years, the bank’s employees will also volunteer their time at the construction site to help build each house they sponsor.
“Bank OZK is committed to the communities we serve and the financial health of our neighbors in Manatee County,” said Kerry Ward, Market President, Commercial Banking. “Homeownership creates stability and serves as a significant wealth-building tool. We are proud to support Manatee Habitat with this contribution so they can continue to provide deserving families like LaShawn’te’s with safe and affordable housing.”
Bank OZK has supported Manatee Habitat for the past five years in the form of discounted office space rent. This year they decided to take the partnership to the next level by making the largest corporate commitment to Manatee Habitat since its founding in 1994.
“When we decided to scale up to building 10 homes a year, we knew that it would take the help of our corporate partners,” said Bernie Quinn, President and CEO of Manatee Habitat. “We’re so grateful that Bank OZK believes in our mission enough to help us reach our ambitious goal.”
This approximately $380,000 donation will be made through the Community Contribution Tax Credit Program (CCTCP). The recently passed Live Local Act dramatically increased funding for the CCTCP, which gives corporations tax credits for contributing to building an affordable home.
“Through the Live Local Act, the Florida Legislature doubled down on tax credits, increasing from $14.5 million to $25 million, for Florida businesses to support community development and housing projects for low-income communities,” said State Senetor Jim Boyd. “This is a great example of public and private sectors working together to expand attainable housing options across the Sunshine State.”
With the constantly rising cost of land and building materials, Manatee Habitat relies on donations like these from their corporate partners to help get more and more local families into safe, affordable homes.
Pictured (left to right): Justin Zaleski, SVP, Regional Executive, Community Banking, Bank OZK; Kerry Ward, Market President, Commercial Banking, Bank OZK; Bernie Quinn, President/CEO, Manatee County Habitat for Humanity; Emily Lane, Development Director, Manatee County Habitat for Humanity
About Bank OZK
Bank OZK (Nasdaq: OZK) is a regional bank providing innovative financial solutions delivered by expert bankers with a relentless pursuit of excellence. Established in 1903, Bank OZK conducts banking operations with over 240 offices in eight states including Arkansas, Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, Texas, New York, California and Mississippi and had $28.97 billion in total assets as of March 31, 2023. Bank OZK can be found at ozk.com.