GMAC Helps Deliver a Holiday Dream Come True

St. Louis native earns new home through outstanding act of volunteerism

ST. LOUIS, Dec. 18 -- GMAC Financial Services and Habitat for Humanity have teamed up in the holiday spirit to build a new home for a St. Louis native and her five daughters.

Ayanna, an active Habitat for Humanity volunteer, has been living with her daughters in her mother's home, cramped together under one roof. Having invested more than 300 hours of sweat equity on her new home as well as additional homes in her community, Ayanna says she has experienced first-hand how Habitat sponsors give deserving families the opportunity for a new beginning. Thanks to GMAC Financial Services and Habitat for Humanity, this holiday season is one that Ayanna and her daughters will never forget.

"I am so blessed and thankful to GMAC, Habitat and all of the volunteers who have given their time and energy for me and my family," said Ayanna. "To be able to raise my daughters in a home of my own is truly a dream come true."

For more than two months, local GMAC volunteers have assisted with the construction of Ayanna's new home, which is located on the upper north side of St. Louis and is set to be completed before the end of the year.

Over the past decade, members from every part of the GMAC family, including employees, leadership and dealers, have contributed time and effort to build homes across the world through Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI). Since 2002, GMAC's financial support and volunteer labor have helped HFHI build and rehabilitate more than 100 homes.

By the end of this year GMAC will have contributed more than $500,000, and hundreds of GMAC volunteers will have volunteered their time to help build seven homes across the United States. Current and future build sites include Atlanta; Dallas; Detroit; Houston; Jacksonville; and Macomb, Mich. In addition, several of GMAC's subsidiary business units and local offices will provide volunteer labor and funding for builds in their communities.

"We salute the important work of Habitat for Humanity in creating safe, decent and affordable housing," said Bill Muir, GMAC president. "GMAC employees and associates are active on behalf of Habitat because we believe in supporting the communities where we live and work, and we know that homeowners play a vital role in building safe, strong and healthy communities."

"Sponsors like GMAC are critical because they provide the necessary funds for construction and the volunteer labor of employees needed to help make providing housing for deserving families possible," said Kimberly McKinney, executive director, Habitat for Humanity St. Louis. "We are grateful to GMAC for their contributions to our community."

GMAC supports efforts that strengthen communities, particularly those focused on housing and shelter, financial literacy, empowerment and growth.

About GMAC

GMAC is a global financial services company that operates in approximately 40 countries, in auto finance, real estate finance, commercial finance and insurance businesses. With more than $300 billion in assets, it generated $2.5 billion in net income in 2005, on revenue of $19.2 billion.

About Habitat for Humanity St. Louis

Habitat for Humanity St. Louis is one of more than 1,800 worldwide affiliates of Habitat for Humanity International. We bring families and communities in need together with volunteers and resources to build decent, affordable housing. Habitat for Humanity St. Louis works in partnership with people everywhere, from all walks of life. Its purpose is to develop communities with people in need by building houses so that there are decent houses in decent communities in which people can live and grow.

About Habitat for Humanity International

Habitat for Humanity International, based in Americus, Ga., is an ecumenical Christian ministry dedicated to eliminating poverty housing. By the end of 2006, Habitat will have built its 200,000th house and more than one million people will be living in Habitat homes they helped build and are buying through no-profit, zero-interest mortgages. http://www.habitat.org/