SPOKANE, Wash. – Oct. 9, 2020: The Avista Foundation has approved another round of grants in response to community agencies experiencing increased demand for services. This latest cycle of donations includes $30,000 to Spokane Neighborhood Action Partners (SNAP) to help people with housing retention and resiliency, among other services. Also included are $15,000 in grants for initial wildfire response in Washington and Oregon.

“This is an unprecedented time for our communities and we recognize that the needs are evolving every day,” said Dennis Vermillion, Avista president and CEO. “In addition to the COVID-19 pandemic, wildfires that have burned across our service territory present even more challenges. We want to respond as quickly as possible to provide monetary and in-kind resources to help meet these most pressing needs.”

Together, Avista and the Avista Foundation have given more than $2M in charitable gifts this year, including a $5,000 donation to the LC Valley Youth Resource Center (LCVYRC) in Lewiston, Idaho. 

“The LCVYRC is the only resource of this kind for displaced Lewiston/Clarkston students ages 12-17. Grant funding from the Avista Foundation will be used to provide meals, showers, laundry facilities, and safe overnight accommodations for up to 16 teens per night.  Meeting these fundamental needs assists in reducing teen suicides, improves academic performance, and provides the opportunity for students to achieve graduation,” said Michelle King, President of the LC Valley Youth Resource Center.

Since its establishment in 2002, the Avista Foundation has made grants totaling over $8 million. The foundation focuses its giving in the areas of vulnerable and limited income populations, education, and economic and cultural vitality. It is a separate, non-profit organization established by Avista Corp., and does not receive funding from Avista Utilities or AEL&P customers through rates.
 
About Avista Utilities
Avista Utilities is involved in the production, transmission and distribution of energy. We provide energy services and electricity to 395,000 customers and natural gas to 364,000 customers in a service territory that covers 30,000 square miles in eastern Washington, northern Idaho and parts of southern and eastern Oregon, with a population of 1.7 million. Avista Utilities is an operating division of Avista Corp. (NYSE: AVA). For more information, please visit www.myavista.com. 

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