Lowe’s today announced a five-year, $100 million investment in the communities it serves – the company’s largest-ever commitment of its kind – with a new community impact program called Lowe’s Hometowns. Each year from 2022 through 2026, Lowe’s Hometowns will complete nearly 1,800 community impact projects, including 100 signature projects chosen from consumer nominations, and nearly 1,700 projects selected through Lowe’s stores across the country. The commitment is part of Lowe’s goal to make homes better for all and builds on the success of its work with the 100 Hometowns program in 2021, which revitalized 100 community spaces and positively impacted more than 1.3 million people in honor of the company’s centennial anniversary.
The effort begins with the launch of a new annual initiative that invites people nationwide to visit Lowes.com/hometowns now through April 4th to nominate a deserving project in their hometowns. Lowe’s will select 100 projects this year as part of Lowe’s Hometowns and partner with community members and Lowe’s associates to revitalize spaces such as neighborhood housing, parks, community centers, and more. The program comes at a critical time as communities and local organizations across America work hard to navigate the impact of the pandemic, with three-quarters of nonprofits reporting an increase in demand for services since the start of the pandemic.1
“Each day, our associates and neighbors come together to help build and strengthen their communities. With this investment through Lowe’s Hometowns, we are demonstrating our commitment to make homes – and hometowns – better for those in need,” said Marvin R. Ellison, Lowe’s chairman and CEO. “We look forward to working with communities across the country to make sure that our investments serve their needs and have a positive impact that lasts for years to come.”
Lowe’s is partnering with designer, author, and Emmy-nominated host Bobby Berk, who will serve as Lowe’s Hometowns Ambassador, to execute this year’s program. One nominated project will have the chance to be personally designed by Berk, bringing his design expertise and passion for giving back to help those in need. Additionally, to kick off Lowe’s Hometowns, Berk has nominated My Friend’s Place, a shelter in Los Angeles that offers comprehensive services to homeless youth, and he will oversee a refreshed design that will make the facility more comfortable and inviting for young people experiencing homelessness.
“As I travel across the country, I’ve seen how now, more than ever, communities need our help,” said Berk. “Whether it is a safe space for kids to play after school or a training center to help job seekers get back on their feet, the projects we’re taking on with Lowe’s Hometowns will have real meaning for those in need. I’m excited to partner with Lowe’s and get to know the incredible people and stories behind the projects that we’ll take on.”
Lowe’s will partner with Berk and impact partner Points of Light to select and support the projects that will be undertaken as part of this year’s program. Eligible project types include neighborhood housing, skilled trades education facilities, community centers and outdoor spaces. Selected projects will be announced this summer, with project work to begin shortly thereafter.
