Delta Air Lines employees will build their 200th Habitat for Humanity home this year. Over a two-and-a-half month build period (Sept. 8–Oct. 17), volunteers will undertake projects in six cities, focusing efforts in Delta hub cities: Atlanta, Detroit, Minneapolis–Saint Paul, New York City, Seattle and Los Angeles.
House No. 200, located in Seattle, is partially funded through proceeds from Delta’s in-flight recycling program. This marks the sixth Habitat home funded by recycling aluminum cans, plastic bottles and other materials collected aboard Delta flights. In 2013 alone more than 1 million pounds of material were recycled, and since the program began in 2007 the airline has recycled more than 8.5 million pounds.
“Delta people are committed to making a difference in the lives of others in the communities where we live, work and serve each day,” said Tad Hutcheson, vice president of community affairs at Delta. “I am proud of our people and their dedication to helping families build safe, affordable homes, and of their ongoing demonstration of our company’s values.”
Habitat for Humanity is a key community partner in Delta’s Force for Global Good initiative, a program that encourages employees to contribute to the well-being of the communities where they live and work. Through volunteering, fundraising and sustainable practices such as in-flight recycling, Delta integrates community service into its corporate responsibility efforts.
The multi-city build projects provide employees with hands-on opportunities to support affordable housing and neighborhood revitalization. Teams of volunteers participate in construction tasks ranging from framing and siding to painting and landscaping, helping families gain access to secure, energy-efficient homes. Beyond the physical work, these projects foster teamwork among employees and strengthen connections with local community organizations and future homeowners.
Delta’s commitment to recycling on flights supports environmental goals while generating tangible social benefits. The in-flight recycling program reduces waste by collecting and diverting aluminum, plastic and other materials from landfills, and the funds raised from recycling proceeds are directed toward community initiatives such as Habitat home builds. This model links sustainability efforts to direct community impact, demonstrating how corporate environmental programs can also fund social good.
As Delta reaches this milestone of 200 homes, the company emphasizes the importance of collaborative partnerships. Working with Habitat for Humanity and local affiliates enables targeted responses to community needs and helps expand the long-term impact of volunteer efforts. Delta employees’ continued engagement in these builds highlights the airline’s broader aim to support safe, affordable housing and to contribute positively to communities around the world.