Ford volunteers and Habitat for Humanity Detroit gathered in the city’s Morningside neighborhood to raise the walls that will soon become a family’s new home. For these volunteers, it was the important next step in the journey for a series of A-frames that were built by Ford volunteers in June at the launch of Ford Building Together, turning raw materials and teamwork into the first visible structure of a home.

The wall build is a powerful example of the mission of Ford Building Together, which brings the full power of Ford to support the critical work of four national nonprofits: American Red Cross, Feeding America, Habitat for Humanity, and Team Rubicon. The partnership is built on the shared objective to strengthen communities for the future and rebuild them to be more resilient.

“It is always an eye-opening experience to see how much labor and love goes into building a wall.”

Ted Fly, global warranty chargeback engineer and Ford volunteer

“It is always an eye-opening experience to see how much labor and love goes into building a wall,” said Ted Fly, global warranty chargeback engineer and a Ford volunteer who helped build the walls this summer. “And then to see it finish where a family is going to move in. This is where it all comes together and makes it all worthwhile.”

Ford employee and volunteer Patty Nahas, a powertrain integration engineer, agreed.

“It’s very satisfying to see the work we put in at the Ford Building Together launch come to fruition at an actual home in a real neighborhood,” she said. “To see the progress in the community, it helps you realize that this really does change people’s lives.”

The wall raising signaled an important next step in the construction of the 1,100-square-foot, three-bedroom ranch. The new construction is part of Habitat for Humanity Detroit's ongoing efforts to revitalize communities and empower families through affordable homeownership opportunities.

“This is a really big moment,” said Mary Ellen Kearney, director of philanthropy, Habitat for Humanity Detroit. "It's so exciting to witness the history of these walls, built and raised by Ford volunteers."

Ford Building Together: ‘Just the Beginning’

Our new Ford Building Together initiative launched in the U.S. in June and expanded globally this September. Building on Ford’s century-long history of partnering with nonprofits, the program has already ignited an incredible response. We've seen the power of our Ford employees and dealer network in action, bringing new donors to American Red Cross blood drives, deploying vital resources following the devastating floods in Texas, and offering critical support to families facing challenges like food insecurity or housing instability.

“Today really solidifies our commitment to the mission of Habitat Detroit,” said Joe Provenzano, director, mobility & volunteerism, Ford Philanthropy. “These are the results we’re looking for, and this truly embodies what we’re trying to get done. And the cool part is, this is just the beginning.”

“Raising these walls is not just the start of building a home,” he said. “It’s seeing Ford Building Together in action. When we think of our strengths, it’s our employees, our resources, our dealer network, our philanthropic dollars. And we ask ourselves, ‘How can we best work with these partners? How can we best show up?’”

Ford employees interested in volunteering can get started by visiting the Ford Volunteer Corps Hub for upcoming opportunities.

Kate Dennis shares stories as part of the Ford Philanthropy communications team.