SAVANNAH — Habitat for Humanity Savannah recently received a $3,000 grant from Target to defray the costs of the home-ownership program.
Virginia Brown, Habitat’s executive director, accepted the check at a presentation recently and attended by several Target team members, including Melinda Macdonald, general manager of Target’s regional distribution center in Midway, as well as Rosemarie Sutton, general manager of Target 3810/9417, and Olga Espinoza of Target 3810/9417 in Savannah.
“At Target, we are committed to serving local communities where we do business,” Macdonald said. “That’s why we are proud to partner with Habitat Savannah as we work to strengthen communities and enrich the lives of our team members and guests.” 
Since 1946, Target has given 5 percent of its income — which today equals more than $4 million every week — to communities. Target is on track to give $1 billion for education by the end of 2015 to help kids learn, schools teach and parents and caring adults engage. 
In Savannah, 25.1 percent of the residents live in poverty. 
“One cannot imagine the assault that poverty inflicts on the financial and physical well-being of Savannah’s families,” Brown said. “Studies consistently demonstrate that housing is a critical factor in determining long-term family success.”
Habitat for Humanity Savannah builds affordable, energy-efficient homes that a Habitat family will one day purchase. Strict guidelines govern the selection of partner families, ensuring that Habitat’s homeowners are those in need.
“We are grateful for Target’s support,” Brown said. “With these funds, Habitat Savannah will help local families create a safe place to plan for a brighter future.”