SACO, Maine (July 27, 2022) – Saco & Biddeford Savings Institution, (SBSI) Maine’s oldest bank, contributed $5,500 to Seeds of Hope for a shower facility installation to alleviate the hygiene crisis amongst the unhoused in the greater Biddeford Community.
Seeds of Hope Neighborhood Center partners with local communities and neighbors to find solutions to poverty and promote personal growth. Biddeford and the surrounding communities serve an increasing number of individuals experiencing homelessness, age 20-40, at any given time. Currently, there are no public locations for anyone experiencing homelessness to clean themselves, which creates a human dignity and public health imperative. Reverend Shirley Bowen says, “This work is heartbreaking, but it doesn’t break your heart into pieces. Instead, it breaks your heart open to love, eliminating judgment which enables more capacity to help.” Offering this service will significantly improve the lives of those served.
“Personal hygiene is a basic element of human dignity,” said Bob Quentin, President and CEO of Saco & Biddeford Savings, “and we are pleased to support the renovations at Seeds of Hope so they can provide access to a healthy and safe facility.”
Since 2013, Seeds of Hope has become an integral part of the greater Biddeford community, serving individuals and families from many surrounding towns. They have broad local support and are increasingly called upon to provide assistance to our struggling neighbors. To learn more about Seeds of Hope, please visit: seedsofhope4me.org
About Saco & Biddeford Savings Institution
Founded in 1827, Saco & Biddeford Savings is Maine’s oldest bank. For 195 years, SBSI has continued to meet the ever-changing needs of the customers and communities it serves. Fulfilling its commitment to mutuality, SBSI has contributed more than $4.7 million to area organizations over the last 10 years. For more information, visit www.sbsavings.bank, Instagram at @SBSavings, Facebook at @sacobiddefordsavings, or visit one of their locations in Saco, Biddeford, Old Orchard Beach, Portland, Scarborough, South Portland or Westbrook. Member FDIC and an Equal Housing Lender.
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Pictured Left to Right: Meg Palmer, Community Relations Coordinator at SBS, Reverend Shriley Bowen, Executive Director at Seeds of Hope, Lynne Belanger, Branch Manager at SBS, Shawn Walton, Assistant Branch Manager at SBS
