Huntington Gives Coleman $15,000 to Aid Homeless

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Coleman Health Services will be able to better serve the homeless population in the Mahoning Valley thanks to a $15,000 donation Friday from Huntington Bank.

“Coleman is grateful for the support of Huntington Bank, as the need for these services has greatly increased due to the pandemic,” said Stacia Erdos, Coleman regional development executive. “Most of the clients we serve at the Youngstown location have annual incomes of less than $16,000, and 40% have incomes of less than $8,000 annually.”

Health care, including treatment for mental illness, is often low on the list of priorities when homeless, Erdos noted. The grant will provide those individuals and families living with mental illness access to safe, affordable housing, prevent evictions leading to homelessness, maintain utilities and supply basic furnishings.

“We understand with poverty comes social problems, including homelessness, substance abuse, and stress-involved medical and mental health problems,” said William C. Shivers, regional president for Huntington’s Canton and Mahoning Valley regions. Helping our neighbors has always been an important commitment within Huntington’s philanthropic and community investment strategies and is guided by our purpose of looking out for people. People do not choose to be in need – but we can choose to help.”

Coleman, a nonprofit organization, serves nearly 2,000 clients at 611 Belmont Ave., which also serves as a walk-in clinic. Across the Mahoning Valley, it serves 7,000 people not only with counseling and case management, but also assistance in removing the barriers to recovery by helping to secure social security cards, employment, and affordable housing.

Pictured at top: Receiving the check are Christina Lloyd, director of behavioral health for Coleman Health Services; Sandy Upperman, regional marketing & communications manager, Huntington Bank; Stacia Erdos, regional development executive, Coleman; William Shivers, president, Huntington BankCanton/Mahoning Valley Region; Barata Bey – community development relationship manager, Huntington Bank; and
Steve Bossart, vice president of business development and marketing, Coleman.

Copyright 2024 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.