Last week, HomeStreet Bank invested in public safety with a major grant to the Seattle Police Foundation, which funds specific programs, equipment and supplemental training requested directly by officers. HomeStreet Bank will match up to $150,000 in donations made to SPF.
“HomeStreet Bank believes public safety is the foundation of healthy communities and that public safety requires an effective police force with strong relationships in the community,” said Mark Mason, President and CEO of HomeStreet. “We stand with the men and women of the Seattle Police Department. We appreciate your commitment to our safety, and we care about your job experience, your health and safety, and the impact of your job on your families.”
The Police Foundation supports SPD officers, with wellness and morale programs. In the past, officers had identified needs for things like teddy bears for children traumatized by domestic violence, education programs for children of incarcerated mothers, beds for children without, gaining the K9 ‘officers’, etc. Seattle Police Foundation provides donated funds to aid officers in providing the public with safety and prevention programs. The mission of the SPF is to promote public safety by supporting the professional development of Seattle Police Department employees, and creating community partnerships that encourage citizen participation in the safety of Seattle.
“We are so grateful to HomeStreet Bank for this generous gift that shows officers they have support,” shared Cherie Skager, CEO of the Seattle Police Foundation, “It will be a tremendous boost to officer wellness programming that helps SPD officers bring their best to their difficult jobs each day.”
Through a year of increased violence and trauma, Seattle communities are struggling. According to the SPD, there have already been 100 more shootings in 2021 than in 2020. This gift will help officers working out in our community to better serve our neighbors, and better attend to their own mental and emotional health.
Learn more about HomeStreet Bank on the website (click here,) or by stopping in at the Fremont Branch in the Saturn Building.