Liberty Community Services Executive Director Jim Pettinelli (center) receives a grant in the amount of $120,000 from KeyBank Foundation, presented by KeyBank leaders (from left) consumer consultant Vanity Bryant, branch manager Dwayne Hicks, regional community sales manager Tracy Menges, market retail leader Elona Shape, market president Matthew Hummel and Rachael Sampson, director of community banking. Photo courtesy of KeyBank

Liberty Community Services of New Haven has been awarded a two-year, $120,000 grant from KeyBank, through its foundation, that will pay for new vehicles so the nonprofit can reach the 2,400 people it serves every year.

The nonprofit largely helps people experiencing homelessness, but also serves those at risk of homelessness, experiencing some type of housing instability. It operates several related programs programs: permanent supportive housing (congregate, scattered-site), rapid re-housing (transitional supportive housing for up to 24 months), outreach and engagement, and short-term and one-time support related to homelessness prevention, rental start-up or shelter diversion.

“Liberty Community Services is serving more people today than ever before – the homeless and housing needs of our community has never been more critical,” Liberty Community Services’ Executive Director Jim Pettinelli said in a statement provided by KeyBank. “The timing of this generous grant of $120,000 from the Key Bank Foundation could not be better, and we are so grateful[…]This grant will make a difference in our collective efforts to offer more people a path to housing and stability. Liberty, our board, our staff, community partners, and clients appreciate KeyBank’s amazing support in this important work. This grant is truly an investment in solutions that offers hope to our entire community.”

Many of Liberty’s clients also have HIV, mental illness or addiction struggles, KeyBank said.

“KeyBank joins Liberty Community Services in the belief that everyone in our community should have safe and affordable housing. As a community-minded bank, we are committed to providing access to capital and support to neighborhoods and neighbors who often face unfair financial barriers,” KeyBank’s Market President Matthew Hummel said in a sttaement. “We are pleased to provide financial assistance to Liberty to enable them to expand support and transportation resources needed to help individuals and families achieve stable, permanent homes.”

The bank presented the check to Liberty at the nonprofit’s 210 State St. offices in New Haven on Tuesday