First Independent Bank Donates $10,000 to Northern Nevada HOPES’ Hope Springs Project

RENO - First Independent Bank is proud to support Northern Nevada HOPES with a $10,000 donation to assist the organization’s programs that provide housing and support services to the community’s most vulnerable.

The funds will support Hope Springs, Northern Nevada’s first tiny home bridge-housing project. Located near downtown Reno, Hope Springs provides short-term tiny homes to approximately 30 clients, who also gain access to medical, behavioral health, educational and workforce development services that can often be the root cause of homelessness.

“Hope Springs is a transformational program that focuses on the underlying circumstances that are often the cause of homelessness,” said Jim DeVolld, managing director of commercial banking, First Independent Bank. “We are thrilled to support this first-of-its-kind program in Northern Nevada that provides short-term housing while also giving clients the support and resources to improve their lives.” 

Unlike emergency shelters and permanent supportive housing options in Northern Nevada, Hope Springs is a community of tiny homes, each approximately 96 square feet used by clients on a short-term basis, usually 6-8 months. In addition to housing, Hope Springs’ comprehensive model of care provides all the wrap-around services that allow clients to achieve long-term wellness and experience the positive impacts of a better life. Services include intensive case management, health and wellness services, benefits assistance, workforce development and substance use treatment.

“Without partners like First Independent Bank our work simply would not be possible; their belief and investment allows us to expand critical life-saving programs that will create a ripple effect across our region” says Mandi Larsen, Chief Development Officer for Northern Nevada HOPES.

As of December 2022, there are 28 residents at Hope Springs. Approximately half (45 percent) are employed, 32 percent receive psychiatry services, 32 percent receive intensive outpatient program services, and 28 percent receive medication-assisted treatment services. The cost for Washoe County to pay for one chronically unhoused person is approximately $35,578; however, the cost to house and assist one Hope Springs resident is $14,683. 

Founded in 1997, Northern Nevada HOPES began as a single-room HIV/AIDS clinic. Today, the facility has expanded to 38,000 square feet and provides a wide range of community health and housing services in a respectful and compassionate environment.