Unocal’s (which subsequently has merged with Chevron) partnership with Habitat for Humanity grew from Unocal Alaska’s membership in the Energy Partnership, a group coordinated by Habitat for Humanity-Anchorage that sponsored and built homes in 2001, 2002 and 2003. Unocal’s global partnership involves Habitat affiliates in Anchorage, Fort Bend, Calgary, Bangkok and Jakarta – areas where Unocal has business operations – to pursue affordable home-building activities and engage hundreds of Unocal employee volunteers in poverty alleviation.
Solving the problem of worldwide poverty housing may seem an overwhelming undertaking. However, Habitat for Humanity has taken it on, believing that until the problem of poverty housing is dealt with, the world’s other social problems will be inadequately addressed. The organization was founded to eliminate substandard housing and homelessness by building decent, affordable homes around the world, in partnership with individual families, house sponsors and community volunteers.
The problem is too big for any one group – or even government – to solve alone. Habitat partners with churches, civic organizations, individuals, families and businesses, on a nondiscriminatory basis, to help build and finance homes for those in need. Habitat engages its business partners in each phase of its work. Employees volunteer in various capacities – from serving on local affiliate boards and committees to hammering nails or making bricks. They receive the benefits of community engagement, solid team-building experiences, and cross-cultural awareness. The local community receives the support of able volunteers with a vast skill-base. Habitat families benefit from the support of the local and international community, which often fosters a desire in them to give back to their community.
The involvement of multinational corporations has a great impact on the number of homes built and families served. Unocal has helped Habitat for Humanity-Anchorage fund the construction of 14 homes in Anchorage, including four “Energy Partnership” houses. In 2003, more than 70 Unocal Alaska employees and family members volunteered on the Energy Partnership House and other homes. The Habitat-Unocal partnership is helping to stabilize and revitalize the older, low-income neighborhood of Mountain View, while increasing the tax base of the entire community.
Working through Habitat-Anchorage, Unocal has already helped build or renovate 24 homes in Citeureup-Bognor, Indonesia, 15 homes in Bangkok, a home in Calgary and another in Needville, Texas.