FHLBank SF Makes Major Contribution Toward Salvation Army's Battle Against Homelessness
Los Angeles, CA. June 26, 2018 – The Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco's Board of Directors has approved awards for the 2018 Affordable Housing Program (AHP) funding competition, and as a result, The Salvation Army’s Bell Shelter will receive a $960,000 gift. The award will be put toward the construction of the Donald and Priscilla Hunt Apartments at Bell Oasis, a 65 unit apartment building that will become a true “oasis” for people coming from a life on the street to a new life of hope and promise. The Salvation Army and FHLBank San Francisco are also committed to helping the men and women who have worn our nation’s uniforms which makes the gift to the Bell apartment complex all the more fitting, where 43 of the units will be set aside for the needs of homeless veterans.
“Veterans and others will find a welcoming shelter and vital services at the Salvation Army’s new Bell Tower complex,” said Marietta Núñez, Vice President and Community Investment Officer at FHLBank San Francisco. “The Bank is proud that AHP funding will support this effort to find solutions to combat homelessness, especially for the nation’s veterans.”
The Donald and Priscilla Hunt Apartments at Bell Oasis are adjacent to the Bell Shelter campus, one of the largest homeless shelters in the western United States. With 480 beds, the apartments and shelter combined represent The Salvation Army’s long-running campaign to combat the soaring homelessness crisis.
“We’re immensely grateful to the AHP grant for helping make this dream possible,” says Lt. Col. Kyle Smith, Divisional Commander of The Salvation Army Southern California Division. “The challenges of homelessness in Southern California need to be addressed with more affordable housing, and FHLBank San Francisco has proven to be a tremendous partner in helping The Salvation Army meet this critical need.”
About The Salvation Army:
The Salvation Army, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church established in 1865, has been supporting those in need in His name without discrimination since 1880 in the United States. Today, more than 30 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year through the broadest array of social services that range from providing food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless and underprivileged children. About 82 cents of every dollar raised is used to support those services in 7,000 communities nationwide. For more information, go to californiasouth.salvationarmy.org.