Heritage Bank Helps Interfaith Sanctuary Bring Their Dream Shelter To Life

​Treasured Philanthropic Company 2024
Heritage Bank
​This summer, Heritage Bank helped make dreams a reality for Interfaith Sanctuary, a nonprofit that provides sanctuary in the form of a home and warm meal for unhoused and underserved communities in Boise. Thanks to Heritage Bank, Interfaith Sanctuary was able to begin construction on their new shelter to continue to serve people and meet the growing need for their services.

Interfaith Sanctuary’s current shelter is aging and hasn’t grown with the growing needs of the community. The nonprofit was eager to create a newer, fresher start for the families and individuals who access their services. However, they kept running into barriers. ​

As Jodi Peterson-Stigers, Executive Director of Interfaith Sanctuary, wrote in her nomination of Heritage Bank, “Many banks were hesitant to support a shelter entirely funded by private donations. Interfaith Sanctuary's leadership faced challenges in securing funding.”
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Heritage Bank took a different approach. When 16 other banks said no, they said yes. Recognizing the importance of the project, they collaborated closely with Interfaith Sanctuary to develop a loan structure that safeguarded both the bank and the shelter.

Jodi shared what a difference Heritage Bank made in bringing their dream shelter to life:

​“We knew it was going to take a very special bank to help us make this dream shelter come true and that was Heritage Bank. When others shied away from this project Heritage leaned in to understand and chose to be a part of a solution.
They saw the essential need and they broke their mold to find a way to bring funding to this much-needed project. They are brave leaders who fight for what is right and needed for our community!"

After three months of dedicated teamwork, the loan documents were officially signed, marking the beginning of construction on this much-needed shelter.

“This new facility represents a beacon of hope and dreams for the community,” Jodi said.
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Congratulations to Interfaith Sanctuary on their new shelter, and congratulations to Heritage Bank, Idaho Philanthropy Day’s 2024 Treasured Philanthropic Company, on helping to make that dream come true

​Written by: Sonya Feibert

​Sonya is a writer living in Boise, Idaho. She loves hiking in the foothills with her family and teaching and performing improv. ​Learn more