Cricket Wireless and Rebuilding Together launch "Connecting Communities" to help restore homes, community centers, and revitalize underserved neighborhoods. The effort starts in 5 cities – Baltimore, Detroit, Miami, Minneapolis and Seattle. Cricket will contribute a total of $150,000 to fund 15 projects, 3 in each city.

In each city, three projects will be voted on by the community online at https://rebuildingtogether.org/connecting-communities, to determine which one will receive the most funding. The remaining two will receive smaller donations toward needed repairs. Voting takes place now through Aug. 22, and the projects will be begin in September 2017.

"Cricket Wireless understands the importance of investing in communities," said Caroline Blakely, president and CEO of Rebuilding Together. "Through the Connecting Communities program, we will impact local families and residents, contributing to our mission to rebuild underserved neighborhoods throughout the country."

The Connecting Communities program is part of Cricket's new corporate social responsibility platform, Cricket Cares, which launched in May of 2017. The goal of the platform is to address the needs of the communities where Cricket employees and customers live, work and play.

"Serving communities isn't just about Cricket offering affordable devices and services," said Dawn Benton, assistant vice president of communications, Cricket Wireless. "Philanthropy is part of Cricket's cultural DNA. We work with national and regional charities to make a significant impact where it matters most – in the community."