TAMPA, Fla., Nov. 11, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- WellCare Health Plans, Inc. (NYSE: WCG), a leading provider of managed care services for government-sponsored health care programs, announced today that it gave $10,000 to Habitat for Humanity's "A Brush with Kindness" program to support the revitalization of four homes in Tampa's Grant Park neighborhood.

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"A Brush with Kindness" is a nationwide program serving low-income homeowners impacted by age, disability and family circumstances who struggle to maintain the exterior of their homes. WellCare has partnered with Habitat for Humanity of Hillsborough County since 2010; this is the second year the company has participated in this program.

WellCare's contribution was used to purchase materials for the home revitalizations, including mulch and plants, landscape timbers, fences, paint supplies and concrete for new walkways. A team of 55 WellCare volunteers assisted with painting, pressure washing and minor exterior repairs.

"WellCare is committed to serving our communities and connecting those in need to the social services and supports necessary to help them lead better, healthier lives," said Larry Anderson, WellCare's senior vice president and chief human resources officer. "Partnerships with community-based organizations like Habitat for Humanity are vital to supporting the health and wellness of our members, their families and the community."

"I am so grateful for the help of WellCare and Habitat for Humanity," said Yvonne Orrett, one of the homeowners and a program participant. "I am unable to make these repairs myself so the help means so much to me."

"At Habitat, we believe that dignity and hope are best achieved through equitable, accountable partnerships," said Tina Swain, Habitat for Humanity of Hillsborough County's executive director. "We are able to continue providing zero-interest loans and revitalization services through our 'A Brush with Kindness' program because of sponsorship and volunteer partners like WellCare."

"A Brush with Kindness" makes repairs with the help of volunteers and, when possible, donated materials, in order to help low-income homeowners continue to live independently and securely in their homes. Habitat for Humanity has served nearly 13,000 low-income families through exterior home preservation services between 2008 and 2014.

To learn more about volunteering or to request support from Habitat for Humanity of Hillsborough County go to www.habitathillsborough.com or call 813-239-2242.

In addition to support for the "A Brush with Kindness" program, to date, nearly 320 WellCare employees have spent more than 1,450 hours volunteering in ReStore, Habitat's home improvement store and donation center, and on building and painting projects with Habitat for Humanity of Hillsborough County.

About WellCare Health Plans, Inc.
Headquartered in Tampa, Fla., WellCare Health Plans, Inc. (NYSE: WCG) focuses exclusively on providing government-sponsored managed care services, primarily through Medicaid, Medicare Advantage and Medicare Prescription Drug Plans, to families, children, seniors and individuals with complex medical needs. WellCare serves approximately 3.8 million members nationwide as of Sept. 30, 2015. For more information about WellCare, please visit the company's website at www.wellcare.com or view the company's videos at https://www.youtube.com/user/WellCareHealthPlan

About Habitat for Humanity of Hillsborough County
Habitat for Humanity of Hillsborough County became an affiliate in 1987 and is part of a global, nonprofit housing organization founded and operated on Christian principles. Habitat Hillsborough is dedicated to eliminating substandard housing locally through constructing, rehabilitating and preserving homes; by advocating for fair and just housing policies; and by providing training and access to resources to help families improve their housing conditions. Habitat Hillsborough also operates its ReStore at 3738 E. Hillsborough Avenue, which offers a wide variety of new and used building materials and home goods at discount prices. Habitat Hillsborough will be adding a second ReStore at Silvermill Plaza on W. Hillsborough Avenue in December. Habitat Hillsborough has built 176 homes across the county and will provide revitalization services to 25 families in its 2016 fiscal year.

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SOURCE WellCare Health Plans, Inc.