BECU and Coastal Community Bank Invest in Shoreline College Foundation’s Basic Needs Support Program

Too many college students today are being forced to make impossible choices, often choosing between paying for food and rent, or staying in school. The lack of reliable access to housing, food, and other essentials has become a growing crisis, making it harder for students to complete their education and secure living-wage jobs.

The Shoreline College Foundation is raising funds to ensure students have access to the essentials they need to succeed. To that end, the Foundation is proud to announce generous contributions from BECU (Boeing Employees Credit Union) and Coastal Community Bank, with each institution awarding $10,000 to support Shoreline’s Basic Needs Support program. These investments will help ensure Shoreline students have access to food, housing assistance, tuition support, and other critical resources, helping to remove financial barriers to education.

“We are deeply grateful for BECU and Coastal Community Bank’s commitment to our students,” said Wendy Coates, Associate Vice President of Advancement and Executive Director of the Shoreline College Foundation. “Their generosity reflects the power of partnership, and their support will directly impact students who are working hard to achieve their goals while also facing financial challenges.”

BECU is a member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative guided by the credit union philosophy of “people helping people.” Putting people over profit drives BECU’s everyday business decisions. Unlike many financial institutions, BECU is owned by its members, not private shareholders, which enables the credit union to reinvest in community well-being through programs like Shoreline’s Basic Needs Support program.

Coastal Community Bank has a long-standing tradition of giving back to the communities it serves. In alignment with the Community Reinvestment Act, Coastal supports nonprofit organizations that strengthen communities, particularly those serving low- and moderate-income individuals and families. Their focus areas include affordable housing, financial education, workforce development, neighborhood revitalization, health and social services, and youth programs.

“We believe that your work contributes significantly to the community, and we are excited to support your efforts,” said Colleen Temple, Vice President and Community Impact Manager at Coastal Community Bank.

The need for student support is urgent. According to the Fall 2024 Washington Student Experience Survey:

• 52% of students reported experiencing food and housing insecurity
• 44% reported food insecurity alone
• Students at two-year colleges, especially parents, first-generation students, and those from low-income households are disproportionately affected

One student shared, “Pursuing higher education is challenging enough, but dealing with food insecurity and housing instability makes the journey even tougher. These basic needs become constant distractions, making it hard to focus on school. I often find myself sitting in class thinking about how I’m going to make ends meet, whether I’ll have enough money for food, or how I’ll pay rent.”

The Shoreline College Foundation, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, is dedicated to growing philanthropy in support of the students and programs of Shoreline College. Every gift, no matter the size, makes a difference in the lives of students.

With the partnership of BECU and Coastal Community Bank, the Foundation can continue building a future where all students feel safe, supported, and equipped to thrive.

To learn more about how you can support Shoreline students, visit: Foundation Home | Shoreline Community College