SEATTLE — Last year, HomeStreet Bank donated $1.1 million to local nonprofit organizations, and employees recorded 8,000 hours of volunteer time with 320 charities.
“At HomeStreet, we believe in being a good corporate citizen, and one of the ways to do that is to get involved in community activities like Home Team Harvest,” said Misty Ford, HomeStreet SVP, corporate marketing director.
HomeStreet is a sponsor of Home Team Harvest, Washington state’s largest annual food drive. The company encourages customers to visit one of its 30 branches to donate food through the end of the year.
HomeStreet focuses its support on organizations that provide for basic needs like food, shelter, crisis intervention, and public safety.
“It’s part of our DNA at HomeStreet Bank,” Ford said. “We really truly believe that in order for us to provide the excellent customer service to our customers, we need to be out in the community and doing things they care about as well.”
Employees who donate at least 30 hours of service a year are eligible for a $500 grant from HomeStreet for the organization where they volunteer. If an employee donates blood, they get an additional vacation day.
HomeStreet helps more than 320 community organizations, including Vision House and Habitat for Humanity. Vision House provides crisis intervention for families experiencing homelessness, including transitional housing. Habitat for Humanity creates affordable housing and supports growth by providing financial education.
“When you’re worried about money, it’s really hard to bring your whole self into the world and to find yourself and your real gift,” Ford said.
With branches in Washington, Oregon, California, and Hawaii, HomeStreet supports food banks and organizations throughout the year in those areas. Ford encourages everyone to help others however possible, even if it’s a simple smile or buying a cup of coffee for someone.
“I don’t think it takes a lot for each of us to show a little bit of kindness. Let’s all wake up and just have a generous spirit about us.”
Stop by HomeStreet Bank to donate to Home Team Harvest. Find a location on the HomeStreet website.
Segment Producer Rebecca Perry. Watch New Day Northwest 11 a.m. weekdays on KING 5 and streaming live on KING5.com. Contact New Day.