CBS EcoMedia and Bank of America Improve VOA Vets Residences

NEW YORK, N.Y., November 14, 2013 /3BL Media/ – Thanks to generous financial support from Bank of America and in partnership with CBS EcoMedia, critical repairs and upgrades to important capital features were made at two facilities operated by Volunteers of America-Greater New York, one in the Bronx and the other in Harlem, that provide permanent supportive housing for formerly homeless male and female veterans. These two facilities house 323 veterans in single-room apartments.

Upgrades include energy efficient lighting in individual units, and improvements to shared lounges, kitchens and bathrooms, building entryways, offices and mechanical rooms. Replacing the current lighting will enhance the overall appearance of the building, as well as make the building and its grounds safer for veterans and neighbors, while reducing energy usage and electric costs.  Also included are upgrades to the ventilation system.

To celebrate the partnership and express gratitude to our nation’s veterans, Bank of America employee volunteers visited the Volunteers of America-Greater New York’s Commonwealth Veterans Residence in the Bronx, where they painted twenty-four lounge areas. 

“We owe a debt of gratitude to those who’ve served,” said Jeff Barker, New York City president, Bank of America. “Improving these facilities through financial and volunteer support is our way of saying thank you to these brave men and women.”

Since March 2012, Volunteers of America has partnered with EcoMedia, a division of CBS, to identify and build underfunded environmental improvement projects in low-income and subsidized housing developments nationwide. CBS EcoMedia uses advertising to support tangible, positive community projects by selling ads to companies and using a portion of the funds collected for community projects with partnering organizations like Volunteers of America that have environmental, wellness or education projects in need of support.

 “It’s a privilege to express how deeply grateful we are to the men and women who serve our country, especially when they find themselves in times of need,” said Paul Polizzotto, President and Founder, CBS EcoMedia. “Thanks to Bank of America’s funding, volunteering efforts and commitment to improving the quality of people’s lives in the communities it serves."