In the 1930s, when commercial banks were not lending to his fellow immigrants in South Philadelphia, Samuel Green had a vision to create a secure haven for homeownership for the people in his community, and it’s one that ultimately manifested in the founding of Firstrust Bank.

It should come as no surprise, then, that Firstrust, Philadelphia’s Hometown Bank, remains staunchly committed to investing in the well-being of the city’s neighborhoods.

That commitment was recently honored by Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia at its Building Hope Luncheon at the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown, as Firstrust received the inaugural Carter Builder Achievement Award. Firstrust Bank CEO and President Tim Abell accepted the award, named after the decades of servant leadership witnessed by President Jimmy Carter and First Lady Rosalynn Carter.

“Firstrust Bank is deeply honored to receive the inaugural Carter Builder Achievement Award from Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia,” he said. “At Firstrust, we are committed to being more than just a financial institution — we are dedicated to being a true partner in building stronger, more resilient communities. Our longstanding collaboration with Habitat Philadelphia embodies this mission, and we are proud to continue working alongside this remarkable organization to create affordable housing and transform lives.”

Corinne O’Connell, CEO of Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia, thanked Abell for “always taking my call — listening, investing, swinging a hammer — and leading with ‘yes’ to bring more Habitat families home.”

Firstrust’s relationship with Habitat Philadelphia dates back to 2019, when the organization needed an infusion of capital to propel its new home construction projects. Since then, the bank has partnered with Habitat to support the Oxford Green, Diamond Park, and Coltrane Commons developments with financial and human resources, volunteering at build sites to literally frame the future for first-time homebuyers.

“Like Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter, Firstrust lifts up community, and they’ve certainly lifted up Habitat Philadelphia,” said O’Connell.

Firstrust also supported the planning and grand opening of the Allegheny Avenue ReStore, again showing its willingness to play an active role in growing the capacity and sustainability of Habitat Philadelphia’s programs, bringing the city closer to a reality where everyone has a decent place to live.

Jon Ellensworth, Vice President and Relationship Manager at Firstrust and a board member at Habitat Philadelphia, expressed the bank’s gratitude for the award.

“To be recognized in the likeness of the Carters, whose unwavering dedication to serving and fostering community has made undeniable impact, is truly an honor for Firstrust,” said Ellensworth. “Our collaboration with Habitat has been pivotal in driving Firstrust’s mission of cultivating prosperity for our community. As a board member, I’m privileged to see firsthand the impact of our joint efforts, laying foundations for homes and hope across Philadelphia.”

Learn more about how a commitment to community is one of the cornerstones of Firstrust Bank.