Chico, California (October 22, 2008) –  Alexa Valavanis, CEO of North Valley Community Foundation (NVCF), announced today that NVCF is offering $50,000 in challenge grant funds to stimulate community support for the Torres Shelter. This is possible through the generosity of a NVCF donor who wishes to remain anonymous. This challenge grant program will be called, “Shelter Our Neighbors”.

An initial $25,000 is offered as a match to the first $50,000 in donations collected on behalf of the Torres Shelter. The second $25,000 is offered as a match to an additional $25,000 in donations, generating a maximum of $125,000 for operation of the Torres Shelter through this grant program.

“We are extremely pleased that this community member has stepped forward with their donation”, states NVCF CEO Alexa Valavanis. ”The generosity of our donor demonstrates that, in spite of the recent economic downturn,  gifts are still available to support vital community resources. As a challenge grant, it demonstrates our donor’s faith that the larger community can respond to this critical need and match the funds he has made available.”

The Torres Shelter provides temporary and transitional housing for homeless families and individuals in Chico. The Shelter has recently encountered financial difficulties, primarily due to the loss of an expected $200,000 (two year) grant. Many of those served by the Torres Shelter are ordinary families who have to resort to short-term housing in the Torres Shelter; many as a result of the adverse economic conditions.

The average stay at the Torres Shelter is 31 nights, with most of those served moving into a structured long-term program that will enable them to obtain permanent housing and/or a stable source of income. On average 70 individuals are served every night, with Torres Shelter providing the only emergency housing for two parent families.

Donations for the “Shelter Our Neighbors” challenge grant program may be made directly to the Torres Shelter, 101 Silver Dollar Way, Chico CA 95928, or to North Valley Community Foundation, 3120 Cohasset Rd, Chico CA 95973. Donations can also be made on-line at www.chicoshelter.org or www.nvcf.org.

NVCF is a nonprofit, philanthropic organization that builds financial resources to meet community needs through grants and programs. With net assets of more than $6.5 million, NVCF provides financial and administrative services to donors, professional advisors and nonprofit organizations with the goal of enriching the quality of life of its community members. Since 1989, hundreds of individuals, families, businesses, and community groups have established funds at the Foundation.  NVCF is located at 3120 Cohasset Rd., Suite 8 in Chico, California, (530) 891-1150.  Details of the Foundation’s activities can also be found at www.nvcf.org.

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