Citigroup supports Habitat for Humanity

Extended by Citigroup Foundation, Citigroup's philanthropic arm, the grant will be used to support Habitat for Humanity's efforts in building homes for the needy in Lebanon.

Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit, international and non-governmental organization (NGO), founded in 1976 by Linda and Millard Fuller. The ultimate goal of NGO is to contribute to the eradication of sub-standard housing all over the world and to make decent shelter a matter of action and conscience. In order to end sub-standard housing, Habitat for Humanity invites people from all over the world and from all walks of life to learn construction skills and to build simple, decent and affordable houses in partnership with the families in need.

Habitat for Humanity works in more than 3,000 communities in 100 countries and has built more than 200,000 houses in partnership with low-income families. Habitat for Humanity Lebanon started its work in Lebanon in 2002. Over the past 4 years, the organization has rehabilitated and/or constructed over 250 houses in 5 communities in 40 villages in South Lebanon, sheltering over 1250 displaced and impoverished Lebanese who were in need of a safe, healthy, simple and affordable place to call home.

It is worth noting that for more than a decade, the Citigroup Foundation has supported Habitat for Humanity International's efforts to improve the lives of poor families around the world by providing them with quality, affordable housing. Through donations in more than 25 countries in 2005, Citigroup and its employee volunteers have helped Habitat build homes for the needy.

Rev. Dani El Tayar, National Director of Habitat for Humanity Lebanon, said: "Our dream is to provide decent shelter for thousands of displaced and needy Lebanese families who believe in a modern and united Lebanon built on the principles of unity in diversity, equity and justice, integrity and reconciliation. Our goal for 2007 is to reach out to at least 1,600 displaced and needy Lebanese. Through the support of Citigroup, we will succeed in building united communities in Lebanon."

Walter Siouffi, Citigroup Country Officer, Lebanon, said:

"Citigroup is a longtime supporter of Habitat for Humanity across the world with Citigroup employees actively assisting in the building of homes together with families in need and Habitat for Humanity employees, including projects in Lebanon. We are pleased to be able to assist families in need across the country and are hopeful that other corporate sponsors will join us in this effort.'

Citigroup's presence in Lebanon dates back to the 1950s. Since re-establishing its fully licensed branch in Beirut over nine years ago, Citigroup has evolved into an active corporate citizen, with a particular interest in supporting financial and higher education, micro finance and other humanitarian needs of the country.