The sound of hammers pounding on wood echoed through a normally quiet Flowing Wells neighborhood this morning.

Armed with tools and hardhats, more than two dozen TEP employees joined other volunteers in helping Habitat for Humanity Tucson raise the walls of six new homes in Carters Court.

Today is “World Habitat Day.” To celebrate the occasion, Habitat kicked off a new project near W. Diamond Street and N. Davis Avenue that will eventually become a 19-home development for limited-income families.

Since 1995, TEP has supported Habitat’s mission of providing safe and affordable housing through financial contributions and volunteerism. In recognition of our 25-year relationship with Habitat, TEP this year has pledged $50,000 a year for three years to support Habitat Tucson’s building projects.

Several TEP-Habitat “team build” days also are planned throughout the year.

“We are incredibly grateful for this three-year partnership with TEP,” said T. VanHook, Habitat Tucson’s Executive Director. “TEP’s funding is being used to increase volunteer engagement through the ‘TEP-Habitat Power of Volunteers’ program. By harnessing the power of our volunteers, we’re helping more families build strength, stability and self-reliance through shelter.”