Northwest Bank Celebrates its Season of Giving Campaign with Volunteer and Financial Support and to Lancaster Lebanon Habitat for Humanity


December 19, 2023

Lancaster, Pennsylvania – Northwest Bank, a full-service financial institution offering a complete line of business and personal banking products, recently partnered with Lancaster Lebanon Habitat for Humanity to coordinate a day of volunteering to help with the Columbia Build – an exciting new construction project that will create four affordable homes on the 200 block of S. Fifth Street in the Borough of Columbia. Northwest also presented a charitable donation of $25,000 to the organization during the event. This initiative is part of Northwest’s ongoing commitment to making a positive impact in the communities it serves – specifically highlighted this time of year through its Season of Giving campaign.

On November 14, 2023, Northwest Bank employees rolled up their sleeves to assist with the construction of the new properties, which will serve as the future homes to four first-time Habitat homebuyers and their families.

Northwest’s $25,000 contribution to Lancaster Lebanon Habitat for Humanity will support the Columbia Build project and the organization’s ongoing work.

"We believe in the power of community and the importance of giving back, especially during the holiday season,” said Kristen Mekulsia, South Central PA region president, Northwest Bank. We are grateful for the opportunity to contribute to such a meaningful cause and to work alongside Habitat to create positive change for families within our communities."

The Columbia Build property was once the site of two condemned homes and acquired by Habitat through the Lancaster County Land Bank Authority in Spring 2023. With excavation efforts first taking place in May 2023, the property is slated to open in Spring 2024.

“Affordable housing is the critical issue that our community must come together to address,” said Lancaster Lebanon Habitat for Humanity CEO/President, Andrew Szalay. “Northwest Bank’s partnership with Habitat helps opens doors to homeownership opportunities that are otherwise out of reach for far too many local families. Together, we are building more.”

About Northwest

Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, Northwest Bancshares, Inc. is the bank holding company of Northwest Bank. Founded in 1896 and headquartered in Warren, Pennsylvania, Northwest Bank is a full-service financial institution offering a complete line of business and personal banking products, as well as treasury management solutions and wealth management services. Northwest currently operates 134 full-service community banking offices and eight free standing drive-through facilities in Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio and Indiana. The common stock of Northwest Bancshares, Inc. is listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market ("NWBI"). Additional information regarding Northwest Bancshares, Inc. and Northwest Bank can be accessed on-line at www.northwest.com.

About Lancaster Lebanon Habitat for Humanity

Lancaster Lebanon Habitat for Humanity builds homes, communities and hope for families in need of safe, affordable housing across Lancaster and Lebanon Counties. Since 1986, the organization has built and repaired homes across the region, as well as strengthened communities through its neighborhood revitalization efforts. Working in partnership with volunteers, Habitat programs empower families to build brighter futures through homeownership. www.lancasterlebanonhabitat.org.