BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- Union Bank, N.A. has donated $80,000 to finance the construction of a Habitat for Humanity home, which will be built by Union Bank and Habitat volunteers on the grounds of the Kern County Fair.

From September 23 through October 4, fair visitors will be able to watch construction progress on the three-bedroom, 1,000-square-foot, single-family home.

This is the 10th year that the bank has financed the build of the “Union Bank House” which, according to Union Bank Regional Manager Michael Blake, “is one of the most dollar intensive and people intensive volunteer projects in the Bakersfield area.”

Blake explained that Union Bank has donated more than $638,000 to Habitat’s Golden Empire affiliate over the past ten years.

The bank’s employees, along with their families and friends, will be working close to 50 five-hour shifts on this year’s construction project. “We feel that it is vitally important to support the cause of affordable housing, and our employees are equally dedicated to the cause,” said Blake.

Union Bank’s Vice President and Priority Banking Manager, Kim Cornett, who is also a board member for the local Habitat affiliate, will lead the bank’s volunteer efforts. “This is a milestone year for Union Banks’ partnership with Habitat Golden Empire,” she said. “Part of the American dream is to own a home, and we are pleased that we’ve been instrumental in helping ten families in our area achieve that dream.”

As with all Habitat builds, the family must contribute 300 hours of “sweat equity” to the construction of their home or other Habitat projects. When the home is completed, the family will make a one percent down payment as well as monthly mortgage payments. Habitat homes are affordable for low-income families because they are sold at no profit, on a zero-interest mortgage.

“After a decade of partnering on this project, Union Bank’s contributions have definitely made an impact on our community,” said Habitat for Humanity Executive Director Dennis Wallace. “Our annual fair project with Union Bank is the highlight of the year for hundreds of Habitat volunteers, and we look forward to a continued partnership.”

Habitat for Humanity Golden Empire is the local affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, an ecumenical Christian organization dedicated to eliminating poverty housing around the world. Since 1976, Habitat has built more than 300,000 homes in more than 80 countries, providing decent affordable housing to some 1.5 million people.

Union Bank recently unveiled a significant enhancement to its Corporate Social Responsibility division that places greater emphasis on promoting and honoring volunteerism among employees and within all of the bank’s business units.

The new program provides employees up to eight hours of paid time off to assist various approved programs and organizations. The program also encourages non-profits and community organizations to look to the banking and financial expertise of bank employees to assist with financial literacy.