Save Remove Download Share Subscribe Photos / Galleries / Videos May 20, 2011 – NASHVILLE, Tenn. , Fri May 20 00:00:00 -0500 2011 Today, at a dedication ceremony that included volunteers and Nissan executives, the keys to the latest Nissan-sponsored Habitat for Humanity home in Nashville were given to Esmaile Challi and Muna Lolo. It’s the fifth home that Nissan has sponsored with the Nashville Area Habitat for Humanity and part of an annual $1 million partnership between Nissan and Habitat for Humanity International. Construction of the ENERGY STAR® and LEED certified home began in April and involved more than 200 volunteers – and, for the first time, local Nissan dealership employees and customers joined Nissan employees on the build. Nissan’s partnership with Habitat includes house sponsorships, Nissan vehicle donations, and support of Habitat’s disaster-relief initiatives and the Jimmy and Rosalyn Carter Work Project. Since 2006, Nissan employees have helped to build 30 homes across the U.S., including 15 Habitat houses in Tennessee. Outside of the U.S., Nissan’s funding has supported the construction of 15 homes in Haiti following the devastating earthquake in 2010. The company’s environmental efforts helped it earn recognition as an ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 2010 and 2011. “At Nissan, Habitat builds are an important way to bring our employee team together to serve the community,” said Jon Brancheau, vice president, Marketing, Nissan Americas. “It’s been gratifying to watch that team expand to involve our dealer partners as well as our Nissan owners – which is something we plan to continue in future Habitat builds – and to see the finished home reflect our company’s deep commitment to supporting the community through humanitarian and environmental initiatives.” The Challi family will enjoy many “green living” features in their new home, including low-flowing plumbing fixtures, high performance windows and ENERGY STAR® appliances. These eco-friendly amenities align with Nissan’s Green Program which supports efforts to reduce the company’s impact on the environment, and with Nashville Area Habitat’s initiatives to build energy-efficient homes. In addition, the newly opened Whole Foods Market in Franklin, Tenn., helped to stock the family’s pantry with high-quality natural and organic groceries. “Nissan has been a very important partner with us through the past five years. They have helped us serve five hard-working families so far and we look forward to continuing this relationship,” said Danny Herron, president and CEO of Nashville Area Habitat for Humanity. The Challis, who have a one-year-old and another baby on the way, grew up in Kenya and became U.S. citizens in April 2007. About Nissan Americas In the Americas, Nissan's operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. Nissan is dedicated to improving the environment under the Nissan Green Program and was recognized as an ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 2010 and 2011. More information on Nissan in North America, the Nissan LEAF and zero emissions can be found at www.nissanusa.com. About Nissan Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Japan's second largest Japanese automotive company by volume, is headquartered in Yokohama, Japan and is an integral pillar of the Renault-Nissan Alliance. Operating with more than 150,000 employees globally, Nissan provided customers with more than 4 million vehicles in 2010. With a strong commitment to developing exciting and innovative products for all, Nissan delivers a comprehensive range of fuel-efficient and low-emissions vehicles under the Nissan and Infiniti brands. A pioneer in zero emission mobility, Nissan made history with the introduction of the Nissan LEAF, the first affordable, mass-market, pure-electric vehicle and winner of numerous international accolades including the prestigious 2011 European Car of the Year award. For more information on our products, services and commitment to Sustainable Mobility, visit our website at http://www.nissan-global.com/EN/. About Nashville Area Habitat for Humanity Nashville Area Habitat for Humanity (NAHFH) is an ecumenical Christian ministry that provides the life-changing opportunity for people to purchase and own quality, affordable homes. As of April 2010, Nashville Area Habitat for Humanity has built 488 homes in Nashville for more than 1,500 family members, including more than 950 children. To request an application or to receive more information about NAHFH, call 615-254-HOME (4663) or visit www.habitatnashville.org. For information on Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity go to www.hud.gov/offices/fheo or contact the local HUD Office. # # # Contacts: Stephanie Valdez Streaty Nissan North America 615-725-3406 stephanie.valdezstreaty@nissan-usa.com Sherry Stinson Nashville Area Habitat for Humanity 615-663-8909 SStinson@habitatnashville.org Issued by Nissan Save Remove Download Share Photos / Galleries / Videos Subscribe to Email Alerts