Ascentra Establishes $60,000 Grant for Humility Homes & Services through 2026
Ascentra Credit Union and the Ascentra Credit Union Foundation have established a $60,000 grant, dispersed over three years, for Humility Homes & Services, Inc. (HHSI) to assist in achieving housing stability and accessible affordable housing for those in need.
“We are honored to be a partner in Humility Homes & Services’ mission,” said Linda Andry, President and CEO, Ascentra Credit Union. “Their approach to addressing critical needs of our community is not only impressive and impactful but well thought out and developed in a way to help the most amount of people in the most efficient manner.”
On average, HHSI serves 350 individuals and families per night between their shelters and housing programs. Beyond the numbers, their impact is about addressing the needs of the community. They are dedicated to serving the most vulnerable individuals and families, including a disproportionate number who identify as racial or ethnic minorities compared to the general population in the Quad Cities. In addition, 63% of HHSI participants report at least one debilitating disability, which may include mental health issues, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), physical disabilities and more. HHSI commits to providing support, shelter and resources to those facing such challenges and is dedicated to building a more inclusive and compassionate community in the Quad Cities. Since July 2023, they have provided for 1,032 people, 172 children under the age of 17 and 180 veterans and their families with a track record of 46 percent of participants exiting their services to permanent homes.
Ascentra’s gift will help HHSI’s plans to achieve housing stability for 900 individuals and families annually, ensure 20 percent of their housing units are accessible for those with physical disabilities, maintain safety and quality for 100 percent of their housing units, move emergency shelter participants to permanent housing within 45 days and decrease the average length of stay for those in supportive housing from four to three years. This will leave a lasting impact on the Quad Cities community by lowering the cost for non-housing systems like jails and healthcare systems by $1.9 million annually.
“We are deeply grateful for the generous donation from Ascentra Credit Union,” said Ashley Velez, Executive Director, HHSI. “Their support will directly impact our mission to provide housing and services to those in need in our community. This partnership exemplifies the power of collaboration in creating positive change, and we look forward to the impact we can make together.”
The Ascentra Credit Union Foundation was established in 2015 as a charitable arm of the credit union in memory of late President and CEO, Paul Lensmeyer. The mission of the foundation is to improve the life and quality for the membership of the credit union and to further the philanthropic outreach in the communities we serve.
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Photo Caption:
Members of Ascentra’s executive team and board of directors present Humility Homes & Services, Inc. (HHSI) leadership with $60,000 in checks at their Jubilee Campus on Friday, Feb. 23. The contribution will be used to help HHSI achieve housing stability for 900 individuals and families annually. Those shown in the photo are (left to right): Beth Grabin, CFO, Ascentra Credit Union; Jennifer Naeve, SVP and CMO, Ascentra Credit Union; Megan Brown-Saldana, Director of Donor Relations, HHSI.; Aaron Conner, SVP of Operations, Ascentra Credit Union; Sister Mary Ann Vogel, Congregation of Humility of Mary, Board Member, HHSI.; Shelly Ridgeway, EVP and COO, Ascentra Credit Union; Ashley Velez, Executive Director, HHSI.; Larry Ridenour, Vice-Chairperson of the Board, Ascentra Credit Union; Linda Andry, President and CEO, Ascentra Credit Union and Tom Gibbs, Chairperson of the Board, Ascentra Credit Union.
About Ascentra:
Founded in 1950, Ascentra Credit Union is Iowa's premier credit union with more than $540 million in assets and nine branches serving the communities of Bettendorf, Clinton, Davenport, and Muscatine, Iowa and Moline, Illinois. Learn more about Ascentra Credit Union at ascentra.org. Follow Ascentra on Facebook (@ascentra), Twitter (@ascentra), Instagram (@ascentracu), TikTok (@ascentra) and on the Ascentra Credit Union YouTube channel.
About Ascentra Credit Union Foundation:
Founded in 2015, following the passing of then President and CEO, Paul Lensmeyer, the Ascentra Credit Union Foundation was created to improve the quality of life for the membership of Ascentra Credit Union and further philanthropic outreach in the communities we serve. Their focus is on funding work to enhance youth development, expand credit education opportunities, foster community development, support cultural activities and invest in ways to enhance the financial viability of the underserved. Its vision is to honor the memory of Paul Lensmeyer and to meet the charitable and educational objectives of the Board of Directors of Ascentra Credit Union. To learn more about the Ascentra Credit Union Foundation, visit ascentra.org/foundation.
About Humility Homes & Services:
Founded in 1990 to support single-families, Humility Homes & Services, Inc. has become a leading force in ending Quad Cities homelessness by offering housing opportunities and supportive service in the greater Quad Cities area. The 2018 merger of Humility of Mary Housing and Shelter united their mission to restore dignity, foster empowerment, and create a sense of belonging.