Greg Dufour, president and chief executive officer of Camden National Bank, presented the first checks to Bangor and Ellsworth shelters last week as part of the Bank’s new Hope@Home program.
Dufour visited Spruce Run-Womancare Alliance, the Bangor Area Homeless Shelter and Stepping Stones in Bangor, as well as the Next Step Domestic Violence Shelter and the Emmaus Homeless Shelter inEllsworth to present initial checks to each organiz
ation from the recently launched initiative.
“These initial checks are just the beginning of what we hope will be many gifts around the State as the Spring home buying season kicks off,” said Dufour. “Equally as important as providing funds to organizations battling homelessness is the increase in awareness we’re already seeing happen through traditional media, social media, and great interest
from our customers and community members.”
Since the launch of its yearlong initiative, Camden National Bank has worked to highlight the issue of homelessness in the media and through social networks such as Facebook and Twitter, and the Bank has already noticed overwhelming support from the community and individuals seeking to help spread the word. In addition, the Hope@Home website continues to be an ongoing resource for those interested in learning more about homelessness in Maine.
“We are not only grateful for Camden National’s financial support, but also for the help in raising the awareness around the issue of homelessness in Bangor and throughout the State,” said Dennis Marble,executive director of the Bangor Area Homeless Shelter. “The more collective attention that’s put on this, the greater the chances of more conversations
taking place – more people caring about the issue, talking to their legislators, and talking with business leaders and in neighborhoods about what this means and how we can do it better.”
Started in January 2015, Hope@Home aims to increase awareness around homelessness in Maine and provide funding to shelters and programs that help the more than 7,500 individuals, children and families without a home across the State. Each time someone finances a home purchase through the Bank, a $100 donation will be made to Maine’s homeless shelters in the new homeowner’s name.
In 2013, the number of Mainers without a home increased 26 percent. Currently, about 250 homeless individuals stay in shelters for six months or more.
“It’s amazing to get this kind of funding,” added Amanda Cost of Spruce Run-Womancare Alliance, “because it’s really coming from the people in our community; people who are in a place where they can purchase a home and create that stable life for their families. Their support will help us create the same stability for our residents.”
For more information on Hope@Home or how to join Camden National Bank’s efforts to help Maine’s homeless individuals, children and families, please visit HopeAtHomeMaine.com.
