Accessing homelessness relief services, particularly in rural areas, can be exceptionally challenging. First Columbia Bank & Trust Co. (First Columbia), along with regional stakeholder Community Strategies Group (CSG), recognized both the need and opportunity to serve those in their local community.
Through its Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh (FHLBank) membership, First Columbia received a $650,000 grant through the FHLBank’s Affordable Housing Program (AHP). Funding for the project, comprising the combination of the AHP grant together with other funds CSG secured from federal, state and local sources, totaled $2.9 million – a solid foundation for converting the former West Street Church into transitional housing.
“Our members are the link between our cooperative’s funds and local housing needs,” said John Bendel, Senior Director of Community Investment, FHLBank. “First Columbia’s support of this project is a testament to their commitment to serving the needs in their backyard and demonstrates how the FHLBank’s AHP can help to address those needs.”
The former church building had been long owned by Bloomsburg resident Bill Brobst and, following his donation of the property, the resulting transitional housing was renamed Bill’s House, in his honor. “From the beginning, this project has aimed to help those experiencing homelessness in our community. We are already seeing the positive impact of this transitional housing and the associated programs. The positive impact will be felt by our community for years to come,” said Lance O. Diehl, President and Chief Executive Officer, First Columbia.
Bill’s House created nine rental units, with five units dedicated to those transitioning from homelessness to permanent housing. Residents are recommended through a non-profit community organization that provides safe shelter to homeless families in Pennsylvania’s Columbia and Montour Counties.
In addition to housing, this collaboration also includes transformative services such as personal budgeting, financial literacy, job placement and job training. “These services create an atmosphere of bonding between Bill’s House residents and foster important skills necessary for a successful transition to live independently,” explained Josh Nespoli, CSG’s Deputy Director.
Bill’s House was completed in 2022. While some residents may need to stay for a few years, others have already moved out to permanent housing. That path to success allows for additional new residents to use Bill’s House as a step in their journey toward a better future.
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About Community Strategies Group (CSG)
CSG collaborates with public and private partners to enhance the quality of life in the communities that they serve. CSG strives to create strategic pathways to local solutions. CSG empowers individuals and organizations to achieve strong, healthy communities where all basic needs are met for every citizen. All people should have access to adequate housing, nutrition, recreation, the arts, and meaningful work.
About First Columbia Bank & Trust Co.
First Columbia Bank & Trust Co. is a full-service community commercial bank, serving a market area in Columbia, Luzerne, Lycoming, Montour and Northumberland counties in Pennsylvania.
First Columbia engages in a full line of personal, business and municipal financial services and alternative investment products, including, under full trust powers, a complete line of corporate and personal fiduciary services. First Columbia addresses these markets through its main office in Bloomsburg and 11 community branch offices.
About FHLBank Pittsburgh
FHLBank Pittsburgh provides reliable funding and liquidity to its member financial institutions, which include commercial and savings banks, community development financial institutions, credit unions and insurance companies in Delaware, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. FHLBank products and resources help support community lending, housing and economic development. As one of 11 Federal Home Loan Banks established by Congress, FHLBank has been an integral and reliable part of the financial system since 1932. Learn more by visiting www.fhlb-pgh.com.
