#United States #Boca Raton #Mill Creek Residential ##NAAGives #Month of Service

Mill Creek Residential's Commitment to Community Service

Mill Creek Residential, a prominent name in the rental housing industry, has recently been recognized with the esteemed NAA Excellence Award for its dedication to community service under the #NAAGives category. This honor is particularly linked to their Month of Service initiative, which has progressed significantly over the past four years.

The Month of Service is celebrated every June, during which Mill Creek associates nationwide participate in a variety of community outreach activities. Their focus ranges from combating food insecurity to promoting mental health, sanitary living conditions, and providing essential supplies to those in need. This year’s initiative, now in its fourth execution, illustrated the consolidated efforts of Mill Creek's team towards lifting spirits in their communities.

The award was announced on June 17 at the National Apartment Association's Apartmentalize conference in New Orleans, acknowledging remarkable contributions to communities via Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). The NAA Excellence Award highlights effective philanthropic programs that foster long-lasting impacts, and Mill Creek's Month of Service has exemplified this ethos throughout its extensive portfolio consisting of 150 communities and over 42,700 rental homes in the United States.

Bill MacDonald, CEO and President of Mill Creek Residential, stated, "Giving back to the communities we serve is a core part of who we are at Mill Creek. This recognition from the NAA reflects the passion and dedication of our team members, whose efforts create real, lasting change for the people and neighborhoods we call home. We are deeply honored and grateful to the associates whose dedication made it possible."

Starting in 2023, the Month of Service program functions as a vital representation of the company's culture, allowing employees to choose the yearly charitable focus. Previous areas of concentration have included addressing homelessness, supporting at-risk youth, and promoting mental health awareness. This year, with an emphasis on community engagement, associates participated in food bank drives, neighborhood clean-ups, and shelter support activities across the nation. Each local office organized a task force that utilized tailor-made planning toolkits, ensuring impactful engagement while addressing community-specific needs.

Kelly Vickers, Vice President of ESG at Mill Creek, spoke on the unifying power of the program, stating, "Our associates across every market are coming together to demonstrate what's possible when compassion meets action. Together, we're helping build stronger, more connected communities, one act of service at a time." The program illustrates how dedicated service can bridge gaps and enrich community ties.

The meticulous planning for the Month of Service begins months in advance, with Mill Creek covering all volunteer expenses, thereby ensuring robust participation. In 2026, partnered organizations included influential entities such as the San Diego Blood Bank, Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, and Habitat for Humanity Metro Maryland, among others. As engagement in community service has increased, the impact has shifted from 4,200 volunteer hours in the early years to an impressive tally of over 7,300 hours last year alone.

Last year, approximately 40% of the company's associates volunteered over 3,856 hours towards mental health initiatives, collaborating with 18 non-profit organizations. The outcomes were powerful—9,230 meals served, over 1,200 care kits assembled, and around $23,450 donated to various mental health organizations were just some tangible results of their efforts.

Larger than just the Month of Service, Mill Creek also grants each of its associates a dedicated paid Volunteer Time Off (VTO) day annually for them to advocate for causes they feel passionately about. In the last year, participation in VTO skyrocketed by 138.5%, shining a light on the company's commitment to philanthropy.

Introduction of the Month of Service initiative showcases Mill Creek Residential's relentless pursuit of community involvement and social responsibility. Their outstanding recognition by the NAA is a profound testament to their philosophy of fostering community growth and support while establishing a profound organizational culture built on compassion and collaboration.

Thus, Mill Creek Residential stands as a shining example of how corporate entities can merge profitability with impactful community engagement, setting a benchmark for others in the industry.

For more information about Mill Creek Residential, visit MillCreekPlaces.com.