Bank of America is more than a donor–they are a true partner in our work to empower homeless and near-homeless clients.
LITTLE ROCK, ARK. (August 15, 2013) – The Bank of America Charitable Foundation has made a grant of $10,000 to support Our House’s efforts to provide financial literacy, credit repair, debt management, and homeownership programs to homeless and near-homeless families. Representatives of Bank of America presented the check to Our House in a ceremony held on the Our House campus. John Nazzarro, President of the Heart of Arkansas United Way, was also on hand for the presentation.
In addition to providing funding through the Bank of America Charitable Foundation, Bank of America employees volunteer regularly at Our House. Bank of America financial professionals teach group financial literacy classes and also provide one-on-one financial counseling to Our House clients. Additionally, groups of Bank of America employees regularly volunteer in Our House’s children’s programs, serve meals to Our House residents, and assist with landscaping projects on the Our House campus.
“This grant is a perfect fit with the Bank of America Charitable Foundation’s goal of strengthening the communities where Bank of America does business,” said Donnie Cook, Bank of America’s Central Arkansas President. “Our House is equipping people with the skills they need to manage their household finances, succeed in the workforce, and find and keep high-quality housing.”
Our House serves more than 1,400 homeless, formerly homeless, and near-homeless people each year, with a specialty in serving homeless families with children. In the past year, 85% of Our House’s homeless clients have moved up the housing ladder upon exit; 55% of adults have left with a full-time job; and 76% have left with money in savings. Financial literacy classes and one-on-one counseling help clients take full advantage of these resources to make a better life for themselves and their families.
About the Bank of America Charitable Foundation
The Bank of America Charitable Foundation provides philanthropic support to address needs vital to the health of Bank of America communities through a focus on preserving neighborhoods, educating the workforce for 21st century jobs and addressing critical needs, such as hunger. In order to create greater impact, we leverage a powerful combination of local and national funding and volunteerism, both addressing the needs of the community and supporting the passion of our employees. The Bank of America Charitable Foundation gives more than $200 million per year to support pressing community needs.
About Our House
Now in its 26th year, Our House provides the working homeless – individuals and families – with shelter, housing, job training, education, free childcare and summer youth programs, in order to equip them with the skills to be successful in the workforce, the community and their own families
