NeighborWorks and Safeco Launch 5-City Community Building Initiative

For Immediate Release

September 6, 2006
Contact: NeighborWorks America, Douglas Robinson, 202-220-2360, drobinson@nw.org Contact: Safeco Insurance, Paul Hollie, 206-545-3048.

NeighborWorks® America and Safeco Insurance Launch Five-City
Community Building Initiative
More than 1,000 Safeco employees and community residents will donate more than 8,000 volunteer hours to community building projects

(Washington, D.C. and Seattle) – NeighborWorks America and Safeco (NASDAQ: SAFC) today announced a new community building initiative aimed at improving neighborhoods and living conditions for thousands of families. The five-city Safeco Community Build Program in partnership with NeighborWorks America will strengthen neighborhoods from the ground up by bringing together volunteers to repair and revitalize homes.

Financed by a $500,000 grant to NeighborWorks America from Safeco, six local NeighborWorks network members will organize volunteers to complete more than 20 community beautification, rehabilitation, housing and homeowner education projects in their communities. The six NeighborWorks organizations participating in the Safeco Community Build Program are: Beyond Housing (St. Louis, Mo); Central Area Development Association (Seattle, Wash.); IMPACT Group (Duluth, Ga.); NeighborWorks Waco (Texas); Reynoldstown Revitalization Corp. (Atlanta, Ga.); and Westside Housing Organization (Kansas City, Mo.).

Safeco will call upon company employees and independent insurance agents to work side-by-side with residents and NeighborWorks network member staff. In all, about 1,000 Safeco employees and community residents nationwide will donate 8,000 volunteer hours to lend a hand to elderly, disabled or low-income residents who are unable to keep their homes in safe condition on their own. Volunteers will repair roofs, repaint homes, build access ramps, and tackle other hands-on projects.

“The Safeco Insurance Community Build Program is an excellent opportunity for NeighborWorks network members to assist households that need a helping hand,” said Ken Wade, CEO of NeighborWorks America. “Together we can improve the living conditions for thousands of families and create stronger, safer communities.”

"We’re partnering with NeighborWorks America because their network organizations understand the communities they serve and know where we can make the greatest positive impact," said Paul Hollie, assistant vice president, Safeco Community Relations. "By involving our employees and agent partners, we look forward to working side-by-side with residents to build safer more vibrant neighborhoods."

For more information about the Safeco Community Build Program in Partnership with NeighborWorks America, please contact Douglas Robinson, NeighborWorks America, 202-220-2360, or Paul Hollie, Safeco Insurance, 206-545-3048.

About Safeco Insurance
Safeco, in business since 1923, is a property and casualty insurance company based in Seattle. The company sells insurance products to drivers, homeowners and small businesses principally through a national network of independent agents. Across the country, Safeco supports and partners with non-profit organizations that bring people together to create strong, safe and vibrant neighborhoods. To learn more about Safeco, visit www.safeco.com.

About NeighborWorks America
NeighborWorks America provides financial support, technical assistance and training for communities across the nation, including the NeighborWorks network – a nationwide network of more than 240 community development organizations working in more than 4,400 urban, suburban and rural communities across America. These organizations engage in revitalization strategies that strengthen communities and transform lives. In the last five years alone, NeighborWorks organizations have generated more than $10 billion in reinvestment and helped more than 780,000 families of modest means purchase or improve their homes or secure safe, decent rental or mutual housing.