Jesse Tree Receives $300,000 Grant From KeyBank To Support Treasure Valley Citizens Facing Eviction

Rhea-AI Summary

KeyBank has awarded a $300,000 grant to Jesse Tree to aid low-income families in Treasure Valley facing eviction. The grant aims to enhance Jesse Tree's Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) program and create a community health resource position. Since its establishment in 1999, Jesse Tree has supported over 8,000 families with $10 million in rental assistance. In 2023 alone, the organization managed 28,000 calls and texts, 3,500 applications, and attended 1,802 eviction hearings. KeyBank's contribution is set to further these efforts, aiming to stabilize housing and provide critical health resources to those in need. This partnership underscores KeyBank's commitment to supporting local communities and preventing homelessness.

Positive

• KeyBank awarded a $300,000 grant to Jesse Tree.
• Jesse Tree has helped over 8,000 families since 1999.
• $10 million in rental assistance provided by Jesse Tree.
• Grant will enhance Emergency Rental Assistance program.
• Support for community health resource position.
• 28,000 calls and texts managed in 2023.
• 3,500 applications processed in 2023.
• 1,802 eviction hearings attended in 2023.

Negative

• None.

BOISE, ID / ACCESSWIRE / June 24, 2024 / KeyBank awarded a $300,000 grant to Jesse Tree to support the organization in reducing eviction and boosting health and housing resources for low-income Treasure Valley families. Jesse Tree offers individualized support, education, and one-time rental assistance to keep Idahoans housed and empowered to find stability during a financial crisis.

Since its founding in 1999, Jesse Tree has prevented eviction and homelessness for more than 8,000 families - that's more than 24,000 people - and administered over $10 million in one-time rental assistance. The grant from KeyBank will be utilized to support Jesse Tree's Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) program, as well as a community health resource position to serve clients.

ERA provides case management and financial assistance to low-income renters at a high risk of eviction and homelessness. Jesse Tree's services include attending eviction court with tenants, negotiating agreements with landlords and their attorneys, paying outstanding rent owed, creating housing stability plans, and providing financial literacy education and employment connections.

Since nearly one-quarter of those receiving assistance from Jesse Tree are being evicted due to health- related reasons, the organization staffs a community health resource professional focused on longer- term service and connecting clients to necessary health resources.

"Jesse Tree's main goal with the ERA Program is to help our neighbors avoid an eviction, which can create a lifelong barrier to securing housing and employment," said Scott Schlange, KeyBank Idaho Market President. "This grant will help Jesse Tree keep more low-income families in the Treasure Valley housed and connected to vital health support services."

Jesse Tree fielded over 28,000 calls and texts and 3,500 applications in 2023, attending 1,802 eviction hearings in the Treasure Valley.

"This funding will allow our organization to progress to meet the demand for our services," said Ali Rabe, Executive Director of Jesse Tree. "Over the next three years, Jesse Tree will be able to grow our community health program with the support of KeyBank and continue to provide more direct emergency financial assistance to tenants facing temporary hardship. We are so grateful for this partnership with KeyBank, and their dedication to keeping our neighbors housed!"

About Jesse Tree

Jesse Tree was founded in 1999 in Boise, Idaho, to provide financial assistance to low-income renters at risk of homelessness. Jesse Tree's founders had conversations with people living outside and noticed the same pattern: a temporary financial crisis coupled with a lack of support led to eviction. The solution was clear. If people had received support during their crisis, they would have never experienced homelessness. Following these conversations, Jesse Tree's founders pooled funds to create the Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) program. This program provides one-time rental assistance and individualized case management services to low-income renters at risk of experiencing homelessness. The ERA program remains the organization's main program. The primary goals are to prevent immediate housing loss and eviction by providing tenants with emergency rental assistance and to empower tenants to gain financial stability through case management. Over the last five years, 95% of clients served remain stably housed.

About KeyCorp

KeyBank's roots trace back nearly 200 years to Albany, New York. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, KeyCorp is one of the nation's largest bank-based financial services companies, with assets of approximately $187 billion at March 31, 2024. Key provides deposit, lending, cash management, and investment services to individuals and businesses in 15 states under the name KeyBank National Association through a network of approximately 1,000 branches and approximately 1,200 ATMs. Key also provides a broad range of sophisticated corporate and investment banking products, such as merger and acquisition advice, public and private debt and equity, syndications, and derivatives to middle market companies in selected industries throughout the United States under the KeyBanc Capital Markets trade name. For more information, visit https://www.key.com/. KeyBank is a Member FDIC.

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CONTACT:
Jesse Tree | Ali Rabe | 208-283-4010 | ali@jessetreeidaho.org
KeyBank | Jennifer Shermer | 303-902-9419 | Jennifer@KeetonPR.com

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from KeyBank on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:
Spokesperson: KeyBank
Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/keybank
Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: KeyBank

View the original press release on accesswire.com

FAQ

What is the amount of the grant KeyBank awarded to Jesse Tree?

KeyBank awarded a $300,000 grant to Jesse Tree.

What will the KeyBank grant be used for by Jesse Tree?

The grant will enhance Jesse Tree's Emergency Rental Assistance program and create a community health resource position.

How many families has Jesse Tree helped since its founding?

Since its founding in 1999, Jesse Tree has helped over 8,000 families.

How much rental assistance has Jesse Tree provided?

Jesse Tree has provided over $10 million in one-time rental assistance.

How many calls and texts did Jesse Tree manage in 2023?

Jesse Tree managed over 28,000 calls and texts in 2023.

How many eviction hearings did Jesse Tree attend in 2023?

Jesse Tree attended 1,802 eviction hearings in 2023.

What is the focus of the new community health resource position supported by KeyBank's grant?

The new community health resource position will focus on long-term service and connecting clients to necessary health resources.

What percentage of Jesse Tree's clients remain stably housed after receiving assistance?

Over the last five years, 95% of Jesse Tree's clients have remained stably housed.