FirstBank thanks Family Promise for helping homeless families

FirstBank delivered over 75 meals to Family Promise of Greater Phoenix as a way to thank the nonprofit organization for its service during the coronavirus pandemic.

Meals went to the nonprofit’s staff and the families it serves to show appreciation for going above and beyond to fulfill their mission during the coronavirus pandemic.

FirstBank hired Short Leash Hot Dogs to bring their food truck to Family Promise’s two Scottsdale facilities on June 3 and 4, according to a press release.

“We want to show our appreciation to nonprofits and essential workers, who are doing so much for our communities during the coronavirus pandemic,” said Bryce Lloyd, Phoenix market president for FirstBank, in a prepared statement.

“No parent should have to wonder how they’ll provide the next meal for their child, which is why we sponsored lunches for the families and staff at Family Promise. The employees have also overcome tremendous hurdles to continue keeping the promise.”

Before the coronavirus pandemic, Family Promise relied on its network of volunteer churches and synagogues to shelter and feed first-time homeless families, while they assisted these families on their journey back to self-sufficiency. Family Promise had to abandon their community-based model to protect their volunteers and families from the potential spread of the virus.

Currently, Family Promise is sheltering more than a dozen families at their day center in south Scottsdale and relies on volunteers to provide meals.

“With our community-based model upended, we are so grateful when businesses like FirstBank step up to ensure our families get their basic needs met,” said Ted Taylor, executive director at Family Promise, in a prepared statement. “By bringing Short Leash Hot Dogs to our facility, FirstBank has brought joy to many children and their parents during such a scary and uncertain time.”

FirstBank is actively supporting its customers, communities, and employees during this time. Last month, FirstBank surprised essential employees at several Fry’s Food Stores throughout Arizona to thank them for their work during the pandemic.

FirstBank also launched a comprehensive effort to help those impacted by the novel coronavirus pandemic. The bank implemented a customer assistance program, support local business initiative, increased compensation for on-site employees, and boosted Arizona Gives Day and its newly created Nonprofit Emergency Relief Fund.

FirstBank has been the presenting sponsor of Arizona Gives Day since its inception in 2013, helping raise a record $6.1 million for nonprofits during this year’s campaign, the press release stated.

Members of the public who would like to donate to support Family Promise’s day-to-day operations of sheltering and feeding their families, donations can be made at familypromiseaz.org.