During the month of January, more than 100 local volunteers with BMO Harris Bank readied 54 new apartment homes for individuals to move into – a key step in ending their long-term, or chronic, experience with homelessness.

As a permanent supportive housing facility, Encanto Pointe in Phoenix will provide residents with the support they need to overcome complex issues related to long-term homelessness. BMO Harris Bank employees volunteered three weekends, in addition to their $50,000 gift in support of Valley of the Sun United Way’s efforts to end homelessness.

The Encanto Pointe facility is operated and developed by Native American Connections and is the latest permanent supportive housing facility that is a part of United Way’s commitment to end homelessness in Maricopa County.

“Since we opened our doors to become part of the Arizona community more than 45 years ago, our employees and our company have supported the important work provided by the Valley of the Sun United Way,” said regional president Steve Johnson, who helped with the effort.

“This year in particular, we understand the pressing need in our local communities to put roofs over peoples’ heads. There are thousands of people in our community who are without a place to call home and we recognize there is a pressing need to provide housing. We are grateful for the opportunity to work with Valley of the Sun United Way and Native American Connections to help put roofs over peoples’ heads, in such a cost-effective manner.”

Taking a step toward providing a safe home to individuals who have suffered chronic homelessness helps the community and economy in tangible ways:

>> Opens up emergency services to support individuals who may be suffering in this economy and facing homelessness.

>> Cost-effective in providing stable services as opposed to routine and costly emergency services to individuals who are living in unsafe conditions

“The more than 100 employees who gave up their Saturday to prepare homes for residents who have not had a safe place to sleep in years, are not only impacting those individual lives, but are truly improving our entire community,” said Amy Schwabenlender, vice president of community impact for Valley of the Sun United Way.

“BMO Harris Bank and its employees are advancing our work to end homelessness in Maricopa County.”