Building Futures: A Partnership Committed to Community

For Timken, an unwavering dedication to its communities is more than just a principle; it’s a practice woven into the fabric of the company. This commitment is evident in its enduring partnership with Habitat for Humanity. Addressing the fundamental need for affordable and safe housing aligns with Timken’s priority focus on supporting basic needs within communities.

This impactful collaboration began in 1999 with Habitat for Humanity East Central Ohio, marking the start of a journey that has seen Timken employees dedicate thousands of volunteer hours to constructing homes both locally and across the globe. This sustained effort underscores Timken’s genuine desire to create lasting positive change in the world.

“Timken believes in supporting the communities where we live and work,” says Zack Black, a process planning specialist who has been involved with Habitat for Humanity for more than two decades. “Employees enjoy giving back through Habitat for Humanity because it allows us to provide tangible, lasting impact by helping families achieve homeownership.”​

“You never have a bad day on a Habitat build. You see the excitement in the homeowners’ eyes as they talk about decorating their children’s rooms. You’re doing more than building a house — you’re helping build a future.”

Zack Black, process planning specialist, Habitat for Humanity volunteer

A Culture of Giving Back

Timken’s commitment to Habitat includes both philanthropic support and volunteerism. Each year, its world headquarters partners with Habitat for Humanity East Central Ohio and builds two homes, all powered by Timken employees. Since 1999, Timken employees have built 35 houses and are currently working on their 36^th build. These builds are comprehensive, encompassing every stage from raising the initial walls and installing siding to the final touches of painting and interior finishing. Furthermore, the company supports vital additional projects such as critical home repairs, demonstrating a holistic approach to community support.

For many employees, it’s a hands-on way to make a difference. “You never have a bad day on a Habitat build,” Black says. “You see the excitement in the homeowners’ eyes as they talk about decorating their children’s rooms. You’re doing more than building a house — you’re helping build a future.”​

Timken’s Habitat builds are also about bringing coworkers together. Whether it’s through department-led volunteer teams or the Women’s International Network (WIN) Employee Resource Group (ERG) supporting an all-female build, these projects create strong bonds among employees. The company’s ERGs have played an increasingly important role in organizing and expanding these opportunities.

Lisa Dillon, principal demand planning analyst, has volunteered with Habitat for over a decade.

Lisa Dillon, principal demand planning analyst, has volunteered with Habitat for over a decade. “The team always pulls together,” she says. “It’s powerful to lift up someone working hard to change their life.”

Recently, an all-female team of volunteers came together to construct a home for a single mother and her four daughters. It was a project that resonated deeply with many volunteers, offering a chance not only to give back but also to empower and support other women.

“The team always pulls together. It’s powerful to lift up someone working hard to change their life.”

Lisa Dillon, principal demand planning analyst, Habitat for Humanity volunteer

Jazmine Compton, a production planning analyst, participated in the build and found the experience deeply meaningful. “It was amazing to work alongside other women, gain new skills and see the difference we are making,” she says. “These opportunities truly reflect Timken’s culture of giving back. Everyone comes away with new experiences and stronger connections to the community. My favorite part about volunteering with Habitat is that we’re building confidence, fostering connections and opening doors to opportunity.”

Presenting the Keys

Habitat home dedications begin with an introduction of the family and end with the presentation of gifts. The last and greatest gift is the key to their brand new home. Zack Black, who has been involved with Habitat for Humanity for more than two decades, has had the honor of presenting keys to new home owners at the end of Timken builds.

All-Women Build

Recently, an all-female team of volunteers came together to construct a home for a single mother and her four daughters. It was a project that resonated deeply with many volunteers, offering a chance not only to give back but also to empower and support other women.

Sign a Stud, Share Your Message

Timken employees often sign studs that will be used to build the walls of future Habitat Homes. Their words offer hope, encouragement or inspiration to new home owners.

25-Year Partnership Celebration

During a recent event at their World Headquarters in Canton, Ohio, Timken celebrated its 25-year partnership with Habitat for Humanity East Central Ohio. At the celebration, Zack Black presented the Carpenter family with the keys to their new home and Timken employees lined up to congratulate the new home owners.

A Lasting Legacy

The results of Timken’s commitment are more than the houses built — but in the lives transformed. Habitat homeowners receive roofs over their heads. And, through education programs and sweat equity requirements, they gain financial stability and long-term security.

Beth Lechner, CEO of Habitat for Humanity East Central Ohio, has witnessed firsthand the change these homes bring. “This extends beyond construction,” she says. “It’s about families putting down roots, kids having a safe place to grow up and communities becoming stronger. Timken has been an essential part of that transformation for upward of 25 years.”​

As Timken looks ahead, the company remains committed to its partnership with Habitat for Humanity. “This isn’t just a corporate initiative — it’s part of who we are,” Black says. “We’ll continue to build, continue to give and continue to be part of something bigger than ourselves.”​

With each nail hammered and wall raised, Timken employees are building houses, hope and a future for generations to come.

Timken departments and co-op participants often volunteer for Habitat for Humanity as a team-building exercise.

Celebrating more than 125 years of strengthening communities, Timken continues its legacy through long-standing partnerships like Habitat for Humanity. Discover how Timken amplifies its impact where it matters most. Read more.

Last Updated: 2025/05/19

Published: 2025/05/18