Companies help support Crestview homeless shelter

CRESTVIEW — Three Northwest Florida companies are banding together to assist the Crestview Area Shelter for the Homeless.

Synovus Mortgage, Coastal Bank and Trust (a Synovus branch) and Lori Zimmerman and Laurie Brady from Remax Agency One are using 100 percent of the proceeds from November mortgage applications and accepting donations to provide funding for the shelter. Coastal Vice President Karen Donaldson got the approval for a $25 match per application filed for the bank, as well.

Amber Ellis, mortgage loan originator for Synovus, said, "As I have been processing applications for new homeowners (around Thanksgiving), it occurred to me that Crestview has residents that have no home.

"I felt since Synovus culture is to impact the market in which we reside that fundraising for the homeless was a perfect fit."

That impact is already being made. On the first day, business participants presented donations totaling $102 to Ann Sprague, CASH president, according to Ellis. She said Zimmerman and Brady are challenging real estate agents to step up and match their donation of $25 per application.

"A big shout out to Dale Henderson, of Lee GMC. [He] donated his 50/50 winnings from the Chamber of Commerce breakfast. I received another pledge from Anderson’s Heating and A/C," Ellis said.

Area residents and real estate agents who wish to make a donation to CASH may go to any Coastal Bank and Trust and deposit into the account in the name of Crestview Area Shelter for the Homeless.

Ellis said all Coastal Bank and Trust locations will have the One Hopeful Place cans for people to donate to the homeless shelter in Fort Walton Beach as well.

"We're trying to get them as much money as we can, with them being in a temporary location. I encourage businesses and people in the community to step up and let’s help get a permanent (homeless shelter)," Ellis said. Anyone who can assist with land may contact Ann Sprague at 826-1770.

Contact Ellis at 865-4560 to participate in the match program; to apply for a purchase or refinance; or for additional information.