The NCAA announced a five-year, $2.5 million donation to Habitat for Humanity to support building or repairing decent and affordable homes in partnership with families impacted by natural disasters.

“Regardless of where a hurricane, wildfire, tornado, earthquake or any other natural disaster strikes, we know that the schools, students and families of the NCAA will be impacted,” said Mark Emmert, NCAA president. “A long-term relationship with Habitat gives us the capability to help impacted communities across our country recover in a meaningful way. Our goal is to be present where the need is greatest, in regions still recovering from past natural disasters and standing ready to support relief following future events.”

“NCAA and Habitat have a shared interest in the long-term well-being of communities and the people who live, work and play in them,” said Colleen Finn Ridenhour, senior vice president for development at Habitat for Humanity. “This generous donation will support Habitat’s long-term disaster recovery efforts and help us rebuild homes and communities impacted by disasters.”

After an active 2018 hurricane and wildfire season, the need for disaster response and long-term recovery is an increasing need in the U.S. and around the world. The NCAA’s five-year commitment will support Habitat’s response and recovery to disasters today, tomorrow and in the future, Emmert said.

The NCAA had a successful partnership with Habitat from 2005 to 2008 to help alleviate the devastation left by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. During the three-year engagement, more than 5,000 student-athletes, coaches, staff and community volunteers built more than 60 homes.