Nationwide, the number of people experiencing homelessness has increased over the last four years. Due to the pandemic, there has been a steady increase in homelessness and food insecurity. Financial One Credit Union always has and will continue to be committed to being part of the solution.
Financial One lives out its mission through its community giving program known as the 3 Essentials. Because of their member’s commitment to Financial One, they can fuel this social giving program when members’ sign up for an essential financial service. Through our 3 Essentials program, Financial One provides food, shelter, and clothing to those in need.
Recently Financial One donated 100,000 pounds of food, 100 nights of shelter, 240 clothing items, and $5,000 in total to the following organizations in the communities they serve.
- Southern Anoka Community Assistance (SACA) - Donated 100,000 pounds of food. SACA is a non-profit food shelf located in Columbia Heights, serving the area for 44 years. On average, they give out almost 66,600 pounds of food monthly. This donation will help cover nearly two months of food.
- Stepping Stone Emergency Housing - Donated 100 nights of shelter. Stepping Stone is a long-term shelter for adults experiencing homelessness. Stepping Stone provides critical support services to residents while striving toward self-sufficiency.
- Hope 4 Youth - Donated $2,500. Hope 4 Youth is a drop-in center in Anoka for teens experiencing homelessness. This donation will provide a warm and safe place for youth to get out of the cold this winter and give support to meet their basic needs.
- North Anoka County Emergency (NACE) Food Shelf and Clothing Closet - Donated $2,500 and over 80 items of clothing. NACE is a community-supported food shelf and clothing closet serving north Anoka County. They provide food and clothing at no cost to people in need.
- YouthLink - Donated over 160 items of clothing. YouthLink provides supportive resources to teens and young adults experiencing homelessness across the Twin Cities.
“Financial One has been donating food, money, and volunteering for many years. We are grateful for their donations over the years. They are a great community partner,” says Co-Director at SACA, Dave Rudolph.
“They have donated tens of thousands of dollars to our community. Their commitment to our community is so impressive and life-changing,” says Stepping Stone Executive Director Julie Jeppson.
“We are thankful our members continue to choose Financial One for their financial needs,” says Ross Blomquist, President and CEO of Financial One. “By providing financial solutions, Financial One can continue to make an impact in our communities. We recognize the best things in life are done together. Together, as one, we make a difference.”
SACA food donation from left to right: Ross Blomquist, President and CEO, Milissa Skjegstad, Financial Service Advisor; Ron Steiner, Branch Manager; Dave Rudolph, SACA Manager; Lacey Mack, Chief Lending Officer; Nicole Fontelroy, Member Engagement Specialist; JoAnn Cirks, Board Member.
Stepping Stone donation from left to right: Kelsey Bergfalk, Marketing Manager; Lacey Mack, Chief Lending Officer; Julie Jeppson, Executive Director at Stepping Stone; Breanna Berger, Loan Support Specialist; Madalyn Ceplecha, Business Relationships Assistant; Caitlin Brama, Branch Manager; Shelly Gunn, Loan Support Specialist.