(CelebrityAccess MediaWire) —
Jon Bon Jovi, through his Bon Jovi Foundation, is working with Habitat for Humanity International to build two duplexes, providing homes for four families, in Philadelphia.
“This is a classic ‘looks can be deceiving’ story,” said Jonathan Reckford, Habitat’s CEO. “Most people recognize Jon Bon Jovi for his music, his rock ’n’ roll records, but more and more, his volunteerism, his commitment to community competes for mention in headlines.”
Construction on the first duplex began on October 1 with outside work completed on October 9. Work on the second duplex began a few weeks later, after the band shot the music video of its new song, “Who Says You Can’t Go Home,” from its new “Have a Nice Day” album. The video will highlight the build project.
“He told the National Conference on Volunteering and Service that he wanted to get the word out that volunteerism is hip," said Reckford. "We are so very excited that he has elected to demonstrate that with Habitat for Humanity."
“I am interested in creating meaningful and lasting change in this community,” said Bon Jovi. “The hundreds of hours Habitat homeowners contribute to working on their own houses, as well as those of others, and the success they enjoy in repaying the no-profit mortgages that are so inherent in Habitat’s work, makes this truly a ‘hand up.’
“I have had a few of those in my career and I am so pleased to be in a position to give back and help others,” he continued.
The Bon Jovi Foundation is sponsoring the duplexes in partnership with Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia and Habitat for Humanity International. Other sponsors are SAP, a collaborative business solution provider, Comcast, provider of cable, entertainment and communications products and services, and The Strober Organization, a large New Jersey-based lumber and building material provider. –Jane Cohen and Bob Grossweiner
