Columbia Housing Receives Grant from Truist Bank for Reading Initiative

Columbia Housing is proud to announce that Truist Bank has awarded a generous $20,000 grant in support of the Reading While Feeding Initiative. This afterschool program fosters literacy and learning while ensuring children receive nutritious meals, addressing both food insecurity and academic engagement. The program is available to the children of the Hammond Village community. Reading While Feeding began at the end of January, is currently meeting twice a week and will run through the end of this school year.

Through Reading While Feeding, children are encouraged to grab a book, read individually or with peers, and participate in interactive literacy activities-all while enjoying a healthy meal. The initiative promotes a love for reading and reinforces the importance of daily academic engagement in a supportive, community-focused environment.
"We are incredibly grateful to Truist Bank for investing in our youth and their future," said Barry Hall, Interim CEO of Columbia Housing. "This grant allows us to continue nurturing young minds while ensuring they have access to the nourishment they need to thrive."

Columbia Housing remains committed to strengthening the community by bringing resources to its residents that address issues like literacy and food insecurity through innovative programs like Reading While Feeding. With the support of partners like Truist Bank, we can continue making a meaningful impact on the lives of the families we serve.