The nation-wide bank announced on Wednesday that it will reward two area organizations each with $50,000 grants to fund community development.

Habitat for Humanity Transforms Local Communities

One of the $50,000 grants was awarded to Habitat for Humanity. They have been vital in revitalizing Cascade Parc in Birmingham’s East Lake neighborhood. They have already constructed 23 affordable homes in the area.

With the $50,000 grant, a total of 40 homes are expected to be completed in the neighborhood, along with green space for residents to enjoy.

One local resident, who lives in a home built by Habitat for Humanity, spoke at the event. “They made my dreams come true,” she remarked.

community — A Habitat for Humanity home resident shares how the organization changed her life.

REV Birmingham brings entrepreneur’s dreams to life

The other $50,000 grant was awarded to REV Birmingham. REV has done an incredible job of eliminating vacant buildings in Birmingham by supporting people who dream of owning a small business.

rev guy e1521817587999 Wells Fargo donates $100,000 to revitalize Birmingham communities — David Fleming, Chief Executive Officer, REV Birmingham

The grant will support these efforts by helping potential entrepreneurs locate capital and business space. REV also assists in connecting potential owners to communities of other owners and service providers.

A Community Partnership

Mayor Randall Woodfin was also on hand at Wednesday’s press conference. The mayor has repeatedly spoke about the need for community revitalization in some of Birmingham’s run down neighborhoods.

He praised Wells Fargo for being a partner in our community. Wells Fargo has been an important tool for coaching new homeowners in financial stability.

The grants are a part of Wells Fargo’s NeighborhoodLIFT Program which was launched in April 2017 for Birmingham and Jefferson County homebuyers, with a $2.55 million commitment by Wells Fargo to boost local homeownership and revitalize neighborhoods. So far, the NeighborhoodLIFT program has created 63 homeowners in the area by offering homebuyer education plus matching down payment assistance grants.