FLINT, Mich.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Small business owners Scott Hempel and Tyler Bienlein will soon have new space for their tabletop gaming store thanks to an innovative national pilot program that connects affordable housing and small business development. MasterCard and Habitat for Humanity officially launched the work/live initiative in Flint, Michigan today.
In partnership with families who manage home-based businesses, Habitat will build homes with functional living and business spaces, offering increased employment and income opportunities for low-income families. The MasterCard Center for Inclusive Growth, the arm of MasterCard focused on advancing financial inclusion, is providing a $400,000 grant to fund the construction of these work/live spaces and to increase Habitat’s capacity to replicate the model across the country.
The program builds on the success of the Genesse County Habitat for Humanity in Flint, Michigan, which developed the work/live model in response to community efforts related to economic development.
For more information, read the full press release.
About Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity International’s vision is a world where everyone has a decent place to live. Anchored by the conviction that housing provides a critical foundation for breaking the cycle of poverty, Habitat has helped more than 4 million people construct, rehabilitate or preserve homes since 1976. Habitat also advocates to improve access to decent and affordable shelter and supports a variety of funding models that enable families with limited resources to make needed improvements on their homes as their time and resources allow. As a nonprofit Christian housing organization, Habitat works in more than 70 countries and welcomes people of all races, religions and nationalities to partner in its mission. To learn more, donate or volunteer visit habitat.org.
About The MasterCard Center for Inclusive Growth
The MasterCard Center for Inclusive Growth was created to foster collaborative relationships between academia, governments, nonprofits, the social design community, and the private sector. Through the advancement of research and strategic philanthropic investments, the Center will support and enable those historically excluded from financial services and serve as a catalyst for change.
About MasterCard
MasterCard (NYSE: MA), www.mastercard.com, is a technology company in the global payments industry. We operate the world’s fastest payments processing network, connecting consumers, financial institutions, merchants, governments and businesses in more than 210 countries and territories. MasterCard’s products and solutions make everyday commerce activities – such as shopping, traveling, running a business and managing finances – easier, more secure and more efficient for everyone. Follow us on Twitter @MasterCardNews, join the discussion on the Cashless Pioneers Blog and subscribe for the latest news on the Engagement Bureau.
