Waypoint Bank – Fort Collins partners with HNS as stewards for caring neighbor movement

House of Neighborly Service was formed in 1961 by 13 churches in Loveland, Colo. The goal was to help neighbors in need by assisting and advocating for people challenged by the effects of poverty and situational crisis. These founders never imagined that in 2023, HNS would have provided 63,756 services, assisted 6,605 people through the distribution of food (388,861 pounds), clothing (121,010 items), helped with utility bills, and so much more.   

“A caring neighbor movement whose donors give food, clothing, money, and time to support our neighbors in need is quite beautiful!” shares HNS Executive Director Cherri Houle. “This is incredible work done by over 200 volunteers who put in over 14,200 hours in 2023.” And one of those dedicated volunteers is David Besch, Northern Colorado Market Manager for Waypoint Bank. 

Dave has been a long-time supporter and served on the HNS Board of Directors. “One of the stories that impressed me was how Dave came into our office and asked several of us staff members ‘how we were doing’ and listened to our responses,” Cherri said. “He is genuinely invested in the mission and cares about the people who serve our neighbors. It meant a lot to us! We felt valued and seen.”

Banker Besch goes ‘over the edge’ for HNS

A critical element for a successful nonprofit is raising funds, and board members are a vital component in that process.  One of the HNS fundraisers involves going to the top of a building in Loveland, putting on a harness, and rappelling down.

Cherri lauds Dave’s dedication to HNS and explains, “To top it off, he participated in an event that took all his courage. He does not like heights, and we asked him to do a rappelling event. After much resistance, he finally gave in. It took great determination and heart – but he did it! And survived to tell the tale. We will always be grateful to Dave for going over the edge for HNS.” 

Waypoint Bank is all about being thoughtful community partners

As part of its 140th anniversary last summer, Waypoint Bank – Fort Collins invited customers to celebrate with a cookout, which the staff prepared. The event also collected donations for HNS, and Waypoint Bank matched all donations. “Waypoint Bank has been a longtime partner of House of Neighborly Service,” explained Bob Lucia, Colorado Market President for Waypoint Bank. “With the help of our clients, we’re thrilled that we were able to raise $1,000 at this barbecue.”

Waypoint Bank carries HNS’s Life Center loan, “and they were essential in us getting this building and keeping us at a good interest rate,” said Cherri. “Waypoint Bank is deeply invested in its community. They have helped let others know about our work, mission, and impact, and they support our events, which contributes to our area’s economic health and well-being. Compared to national banks, it provides more personalized service. It has also taken time to understand our nonprofit needs and mission.”

“All of us at HNS highly recommend everyone at Waypoint Bank. They are people who care,” said Cherri. “Going into the bank is not intimidating but inviting. You are greeted and treated like a friend.”