FREMONT, California - March 10, 2009 - The willingness and passion to end homelessness in Alameda County is the core link between Fremont Bank Foundation, a philanthropic arm of the Bay Area’s Fremont Bank, and Abode Services, formerly known as Tri-City Homeless Coalition. For years, the two organizations have established an intimate unity in the quest to assist low-income, un-housed residents to secure, stable and supportive housing—while advocating the removal of the causes of homelessness.

It’s a daunting task because there are many complexities to the solutions—but Fremont Bank Foundation’s support to help the remarkable and noble efforts of Abode Services has strengthened the bond between the two organizations through ongoing involvement, funding and positive attitudes to help find solutions.  

“Fremont Bank is family,” says Abode Services Executive Director Louis Chicoine. “They’re a part of the local community and they get involved with the things they care deeply about—and it’s clear that Fremont Bank shares our passion to find a solution to homelessness beyond simply providing needed shelter.  Most importantly, they’re an educator on the issues in the attempt to solve homelessness.”

Now celebrating 20 years, Tri-City Homeless Coalition (now Abode Services) was originally formed because federal housing programs vanished, leaving local churches to consolidate to provide the needed beds and “roofs over the heads” of many homeless people. The coalition provided additional shelter through its now eleven shelter housing programs to assist homeless families and individuals in establishing stability and independence.

Housing options include emergency shelter programs, rental subsidies, transitional housing and permanent supportive housing. Support services consist of intensive case management, job counseling and placement referrals, life skills training, money management, parenting classes, children's programs, benefits acquisition, primary and mental health care services, and individual and group substance recovery counseling. 

Fremont Bank helped to develop the first homeless shelter (Sunrise Village)—which at the time was one of the first shelters built on the West Coast specifically for homelessness. Sunrise Village shelter and Winter Relief Program continues to provide emergency shelter, food and intensive care management.

“What originally started as an opportunity for the bank to raise funding for the coalition transformed into a widespread effort to make a difference,”   says Fremont Bank Foundation’s President Hattie Hyman Hughes. “We felt a strong connection with Abode Services and their mission to end homelessness, and we continue to do everything we can to help the cause.”

In addition to supporting Abode Services through funding, Fremont Bank Foundation and Fremont Bank employees donate their time and talents to the organization.  The bank also contributed to the HOPE Mobile Health Clinic—a direct medical and support services including assistance finding permanent supportive housing.

Abode Services’ programs now provide an essential safety net for approximately 2,000 homeless (including 450 children/year) and low-income persons annually including single adults, adults and children in families, emancipated foster youth and seniors. The program currently has 350 units, with the 10 year goal of creating 1000 units.

Residents of Alameda County are welcome to join Abode Services on Thursday, March 12th at 7:30 AM at the Fremont Marriott for its fund raising event, "Journey Home" Breakfast.  More information is available at www.abodeservices.org or by calling 510-657-7409 ex: 203.

About Fremont Bank
Fremont Bank (www.fremontbank.com) is the leading full-service community bank in Northern California. Founded in 1964, Fremont Bank is one of the oldest independent family owned and managed banks in the region and focuses on personalized service for individuals and businesses. It serves communities through 24 branches and seven additional ATMs throughout the Greater Bay Area. Exceptional client service is the cornerstone of Fremont Bank’s business. Accommodation of customer needs in a friendly, personal atmosphere characterizes the bank’s culture.