Columbia Bank helps local homeless

Columbia Bank’s Warm Hearts Winter Drive benefits local organizations, including Bonner Homeless Transitions and Family Promise of Northern Idaho.

According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the number of people experiencing homelessness in the Northwest has increased six percent since 2015, and 42 percent of the homeless population in Idaho is considered chronic.

In response to this growing crisis, Columbia Bank launched the drive to help aid nonprofit organizations in providing services to individuals, families and children in need.

“Thousands of families in our communities are homeless this winter, and those living on the streets have a much higher risk of exposure when it is cold and wet outside.

We are proud to continue the Warm Hearts Winter Drive to help those around us who are truly in need,” said Melanie Dressel, President & CEO of Columbia Bank. “The purpose of the Warm Hearts Winter Drive is to continue to raise awareness of this growing issue, and we are hopeful that our customers and employees will join together again to help these deserving organizations and the people they support.”

Now through Dec. 31, donations can be submitted online atWarmHeartsWinterDrive.com and both cash and winter attire can be donated at all Columbia Bank locations in Oregon, Washington and Idaho.

One hundred percent of the clothing and funds collected during the drive will be donated directly back to more than 50 shelters and relief organizations in the communities where the collections originated.

Last year, Warm Hearts raised over $157,000 and nearly 12,000 items to benefit 53 homeless shelters in the Northwest.

“Last year alone Columbia Bank’s Warm Heart Campaign provided meals, shelter and care for 9,375 people in our community.

On behalf of those we serve, we want to say thank you to the entire Columbia Bank family. We’re very grateful to be partnering with you once again this year.”

“January is often our slowest month for donations, yet it is among the coldest, wettest months for our homeless neighbors,” said President of Seattle Union Gospel Mission, Jeff Lilley. “It means the world to us when community members like Columbia Bank proactively reach out and help those in need survive cold nights. We appreciate Columbia Bank and its community members for stepping up and setting an example.”

“As the holidays approach our thoughts turn to family, blessings and gratitude. But for many men, women and children in our community that are experiencing homelessness, the holidays can be a time of loneliness and difficulty,” said Executive Director, Tri-City Union Gospel Mission, Andrew J. Porter. “But because of the thoughtful donations from community partners we will be able to give hope to countless individuals and families by providing a joyous holiday season.”

Philanthropy and community engagement lie at the heart of what it means to be a community bank, and is why Columbia Bank is committed to programs such as the Warm Hearts Winter Drive.

After launching the Warm Hearts Winter Drive in 2015, Columbia Bank received various regional and national honors, including the American Bankers Association Foundation’s George Bailey Distinguished Service Award and a Community Impact Award from Seattle Business Magazine.

Information or to make a cash donation, please visit www.columbiabank.com.w.columbiabank.com.