Bellingham, WA – September 27, 2022 – Peoples Bank has awarded the Anacortes Family Center a $25,000 Peoples Bank Impact Grant to provide maintenance and updates to its emergency shelter. Specifically, the funds will be used to replace aging appliances in each of the nine single family units. The emergency shelter has operated at 100% occupancy with a wait list for the past nine years.
The mission of the Anacortes Family Center’s Emergency Shelter is to serve homeless women, children, and families in crisis by providing shelter in addition to transformational services to achieve long lasting personal success and self-sufficiency. It’s innovative approach to addressing homelessness and domestic violence has resulted in the distinction of being one of the most successful shelters in the state. In 2021, 80% of its clients graduated successfully from the emergency shelter program, achieving self-sufficiency with a place to call home and a job to support their family.
“We are proud that our work is resulting in true change for a very real and incredibly complex community issue. Many of our families lived in a vehicle, tent, or in a space not safe for habitation prior to entering our program and had limited access to simple amenities like showers, running water, or a place to prepare nutritious meals,” said Dustin Johnson, Executive Director of the Anacortes Family Center. “The Peoples Bank Impact Grant will help ensure that the nine single family apartments in our emergency shelter provide a sense of safety, security, and home to the families that we serve for years to come.”
“The Anacortes Family Center was selected for this year’s Impact Grant because of the critical role it plays providing essential services to some of the most vulnerable members of our community,” said Lisa Hefter, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Peoples Bank. “We are proud to be a part of the solution to help those in need.”
Public Voting Opens for Additional $10,000 Grant
New this year, an additional grant of up to $10,000 will also be awarded to a nonprofit based on a public vote taking place between September 27 and October 10. More information about the nonprofits eligible for this award and voting instructions are available at www.peoplesbank-wa.com/peoples-choice.
- Bellingham Arts Academy for Youth (BAAY): EduArts in Title 1 Elementary Schools – Whatcom County
- Camp Korey: Gem Cars for Camp Programs – Skagit County
- Eastmont Metropolitan Park District: Fitness Court – Chelan County
- Everett Community College Foundation: Students of Color Career Conference – Snohomish County
- PFLAG Skagit: Speakers Bureau – Skagit County
- Quilceda Community Services / Willow Place: Covered Sports Court & Expanded ADA Parking – Snohomish County
- Oak Harbor Rotary Foundation: Food4Kids Backpack Program – Island County
- Treehouse: Graduation Success Program Expansion – King County
- Whatcom Family YMCA & Lydia Place: Heart House – Whatcom County
About the Peoples Bank Impact Grant
The Peoples Impact Grant program was launched in 2017 to help fund a specific project, use, or identified purpose that will have a long-lasting, positive impact on the community. Past winners of the Peoples Bank Impact Grant include the Teachers of Color Foundation, Northwest Youth Services, Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services (DVSAS) of Whatcom County, and Skagit Habitat for Humanity.
Operating since 1921, Peoples Bank is known for its dedication to service – supporting local customers, local businesses, and the economic growth of the regions surrounded by each branch. Each year, Peoples Bank donates hundreds of thousands of dollars to local and regional nonprofit organizations providing valuable services in the arts, child and family services, education, health and social services, and civics. For more information about Peoples Bank community giving, please visit www.peoplesbank-wa.com/about-us/community-giving.
About Peoples Bank
Peoples Bank is a locally owned and operated, independent full-service community bank with $2.8 billion in assets. Headquartered in Bellingham, Washington, Peoples Bank has served the community for over 100 years and operates 25 locations throughout Washington. Reflecting its strong financial management practices, dedicated employees, and long-standing customer relationships, Peoples Bank was awarded a superior five-star rating from BauerFinancial, a leading independent bank rating firm. Learn more about Peoples Bank at www.peoplesbank-wa.com. Member FDIC.
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