Simpson Strong-Tie, an industry leader in engineered structural connectors and building solutions, announced it has increased support of Habitat for Humanity’s Habitat Strong program. Simpson Strong-Tie nearly doubled its monetary commitment and is now the major sponsor of the program.

Habitat for Humanity homes in areas susceptible to flooding, earthquakes, hurricanes, winds and wildfires can benefit from Habitat Strong building standards, which include a suite of fortified codes and best practices for building more resilient homes. Available to all Habitat for Humanity organizations across the country, the Habitat Strong program was created to be affordable, while offering long-lasting benefits to Habitat for Humanity homeowners. Simpson Strong-Tie increased its monetary donation for the program from $85,000 in 2015 to $150,000 in 2017.

In addition to expanded support for Habitat Strong, Simpson Strong-Tie funded a new pilot STEM playhouse build program with the local East Bay/Silicon Valley Habitat affiliate in California. The STEM playhouse program was created to enhance, supplement and support existing classroom learning around STEM while encouraging creativity, critical thinking, collaboration and communication. Students in grades 6-8 followed specific curriculum leading to application of their STEM learning with the building of playhouses for younger children.

In March, Simpson Strong-Tie participated in its largest Habitat build to date, with over 350 employees from around the world constructing new homes in a Tucson, AZ community as part of its international sales meeting.

“The support and excitement our employees have shown for Habitat for Humanity inspires and motivates us to continue and expand on our great partnership. We are very proud of our work with such an outstanding organization and look forward to growing our relationship,” said Simpson Strong-Tie president and CEO Karen Colonias.

Simpson Strong-Tie has supported Habitat for Humanity for more than two decades and has been a national sponsor since 2007, donating $5 million in cash and products, including the structural framing hardware (connectors and fasteners) and reinforced shear walls used in new home construction. The company also supports Habitat for Humanity’s annual Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project.