Mercy Housing receives grant from The Walmart Foundation to support national Environmental Stewardship Initiative

The grant also will be used to support environmental efforts at Mercy Housing regional offices

07.31.2009 – DENVER- Mercy Housing will use $376,750 in grant funding from The Walmart Foundation to launch a nationwide effort to improve the use of energy at its existing affordable housing properties and require developers to use a variety of “green” design elements in all future properties.

The grant from The Walmart Foundation will supplement government and other philanthropic funding to help Mercy Housing launch a nationwide Environmental Stewardship Initiative. Mercy Housing will use $296,750 from the grant to conduct internal and third-party energy audits at 233 properties and implement a sustainable development policy. The remaining $80,000 will be divided among Mercy Housing’s eight regional offices for local implementation. Mercy Housing manages 245 properties nationwide and serves more than 124,000 low- to moderate-income people, including families, seniors and people with special needs, on any given day.

“Mercy Housing believes that sustainably built affordable housing better serves our residents by creating healthier environments and reducing energy costs,” said Sister Lillian Murphy, RSM, Mercy Housing CEO. “Wal-Mart is a respected leader in environmental stewardship, and we are so pleased to have The Walmart Foundation support us in this important initiative.”

Many studies have shown that dilapidated housing is associated with exposure to lead and asthma triggers, such as mold, moisture, dust mites and rodents. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, exposure to carpet, glues and varnishes with volatile organic compounds can result in several health problems from eye, nose and throat irritation to liver, kidney and central nervous system damage.

High energy costs also greatly affect low-income households. The 2005 National Energy Assistance Survey found that as a result of high energy costs, 47 percent of households receiving federal home energy assistance went without medical care, 25 percent failed to pay their rent or mortgage, and 20 percent went without food for at least one day over a five-year period.

"Wal-Mart is focused on environmental sustainability at every level,” said Walmart Foundation president Margaret McKenna. “The Walmart Foundation is proud to support Mercy Housing and others who share our commitment to protecting the environment for generations."

Over the next year, Mercy Housing will conduct energy audits to determine a baseline for measuring future green retrofit efforts. Properties will also conduct self-assessments to identify specific upgrades needed to reduce energy consumption.

Mercy Housing developers and construction management staff will create national guidelines for future retrofit and new development efforts. Those guidelines may include the installation of ENERGY STAR-certified appliances and recycled/recyclable carpet; the use of locally manufactured materials, programmable thermostats, and natural ventilation and fans instead of air conditioning; and the creation of rainwater catchment systems and water-efficient, low-maintenance landscaping. The guidelines will mesh with existing national and local certifications and standards.

About Mercy Housing
Mercy Housing, a national not-for-profit affordable housing organization headquartered in Denver, has a presence in 41 states, serves more than 124,000 people on any given day and has participated in the development, financing or operation of more than 36,900 homes. About 75 percent of Mercy Housing’s portfolio is rental units, and the remaining 25 percent is homeownership. Mercy Housing serves families, seniors and people with special needs (formerly homeless, people with HIV/AIDS and the developmentally disabled). For more information about Mercy Housing, please visit www.mercyhousing.org.

About Philanthropy at Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT) and the Walmart Foundation are proud to support the charitable causes that are important to customers and associates in their own neighborhoods. Through its philanthropic programs and partnerships, the Walmart Foundation funds initiatives focused on creating opportunities in education, workforce development, economic opportunity, environmental sustainability, and health and wellness. From February 1, 2008 through January 31, 2009, Walmart - and its domestic and international foundations - gave more than $423 million in cash and in-kind gifts globally. To learn more, visit www.walmartfoundation.org.

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News Facts

Mercy Housing will use $296,750 from the grant to conduct internal and third-party energy audits at 233 properties and implement a sustainable development policy.
Mercy Housing manages 245 properties nationwide and serves more than 124,000 low- to moderate-income people, including families, seniors and people with special needs, on any given day.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, exposure to carpet, glues and varnishes with volatile organic compounds can result in several health problems from eye, nose and throat irritation to liver, kidney and central nervous system damage.
The 2005 National Energy Assistance Survey found that as a result of high energy costs, 47 percent of households receiving federal home energy assistance went without medical care, 25 percent failed to pay their rent or mortgage, and 20 percent went without food for at least one day over a five-year period.
From February 1, 2008 through January 31, 2009, Walmart â€“ and its domestic and international foundations â€“ gave more than $423 million in cash and in-kind gifts globally.