CANTON – An out-of-the-blue phone call has led to a massive donation for the Canton-based Habitat for Humanity East Central Ohio.

The agency is getting a $4.5 million unsolicited gift from author-philanthropist MacKenzie Scott.

Habitat Executive Director Beth Lechner said the money will help the ministry mitigate rapidly rising costs for home construction and serve more families seeking affordable housing in Stark and surrounding counties.

More:SE Canton church, neighborhood getting boost from Habitat for Humanity

Lechner made the announcement Monday at Habitat’s offices at 1400 Raff Road SW before a small gathering of board members, longtime volunteers and homeowners.

“It’s a transformational gift,” she said.

Scott’s foundation is donating a total of $436 million to Habitat for Humanity, with $411 million benefiting 84 of its 1,200 U.S. affiliates and Habitat for Humanity International, and $25 million to promote policies and legislation for equity and access to affordable housing.