CHICAGO (November 1, 2005) - With heating bills set to skyrocket this winter, Charter One Bank announced today a commitment to help defray this season's heating costs at area homeless shelters. Heating costs are expected to increase as much as 50 percent this winter, resulting in budget strains on critical programs and services offered to Chicago-area low-income and homeless people.
Charter One Bank presented a lead gift of $100,000 to four local organizations to assist with their winter heating bills. The four recipient organizations were the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago - SRO (Single Room Occupancy) program, Lakefront Supportive Housing, Southwest Women Working Together and Dupage P.A.D.S.
"We've all been warned about the expected record-high heating costs this winter. We also know that it's going to take its toll on the poor and the homeless, said Paul Greig, Charter One Bank-Illinois President and CEO. "By partnering with these quality organizations, we know that our donation will help serve those most in need of warmth this winter."
In addition, Charter One is asking the Chicago-area community to help spread the warmth by collecting donations for additional heating assistance in all of its 132 Illinois branches. Donations will be accepted starting today through January 31, 2006.
"There could not be a more appropriate time for a business to get involved and help us work towards our goal of reducing the number of homeless who spend bitter winter nights on the street, " said Stephen Cole, President and CEO of the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago. "All of the organizations involved recognize the value and importance of Charter One's donations and are grateful for the significant impact these funds will have in terms of helping curb the cost of this season's heating bills."
Chicago area shelters expect to see a significant increase in heating costs this year over last. The latest numbers on homelessness in Chicago are staggering. Latest statistics from the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless and the National Coalition for the Homeless show that there are more than 80,000 homeless in Chicago and that 15,000 people cannot find adequate, permanent housing on any given night.
About Charter One Bank, N.A.
Charter One Bank, N.A., is a $41 billion bank operating in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Ohio. It has more than 132 branches and 392 ATMs in Illinois. Charter One is a subsidiary of Citizens Financial Group, Inc., a $148 billion commercial bank holding company headquartered in Providence, R.I. Citizens has more than 1,600 branches, approximately 3,100 ATMs and more than 27,000 employees in a 13-state retail branch network and non-branch offices in more than 30 states. Citizens is the eighth-largest commercial banking company in the United States ranked by deposits. Citizens is owned by RBS (The Royal Bank of Scotland Group plc).The Charter One Web site is charterone.com.
bout YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago - SRO program
The YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago's SRO (single resident occupancy) units house formerly homeless or near-homeless men in a dormitory atmosphere and offer many different types and levels of supportive service opportunities and programs to its residents. The YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago has 7 sites which collectively operate a network of 2,100 SRO units thoughout the Chicago area.
About Lakefront Supportive Housing
Lakefront Supportive Housing provides and advocates for quality affordable housing blended with innovative and comprehensive supportive services. The programs and services of Lakefront Supportive Housing help tenants seeking affordable housing an opportunity towards achieving personal and financial independence. By weaving these components: shelter, services and community, together in one setting, known as supportive housing, the agency offers a permanent soulution to end homelessness.
About Southwest Women Working Together
The mission of Southwest Women Working Together is to recognize and free the potential of women, children and their families. The organization accomplishes this by providing tools and resources through direct services and advocacy to lead empowered, self-sufficient and violence-free lives. Southwest Women Working Together serves primarily as a domestic violence shelter and offers transitional housing for women and their children. The organization offers many different types and levels of supportive service opportunities and programs to its residents.
About Dupage P.A.D.S.
Dupage P.A.D.S. is committed to end and prevent homelessness throughout the DuPage County area. The organization works with over 4,000 volunteers and more than 100 faith-based congregations in DuPage County to provide temporary shelter; basic needs assistance is provided at multiple support centers along with case management, employment readiness and skill building programs. Transitional Housing is provided for single individuals up to 24 months with supportive services. In addition, the organization recently began providing permanent supportive housing to individuals who are homeless with a disability. For additional information, you can also check their website at: www.dupagepads.org