Commerce Bank works with nonprofit to help homeless veterans.

For several years, Commerce Bank team members have been rolling up their sleeves to support veterans in need — painting, landscaping, digging fence poles and providing financial education. Through SALUTE, the bank’s employee resource group dedicated to supporting veterans, Commerce has built a strong relationship with Veterans Community Project (VCP), a nonprofit organization working to end veteran homelessness across the United States.

Helping those in need

VCP was founded in 2016 by four combat veterans in Kansas City. The organization offers veterans the opportunity to live in a tiny home while they rebuild their lives.

Clinton Scott, an Army veteran and senior manager of implementation systems at Commerce, is one of the many team members from the bank who have volunteered with VCP for years. He is a big believer in the work the nonprofit does.

“The founders wanted to help address the huge homeless veteran population in Kansas City, so they bought a building, and the city donated some land for them to use,” Scott says. “Over time they built a tiny home community in that space. Veterans can live in the homes while they're getting back on their feet.”

The model works. Since welcoming its first residents in 2018, VCP says it has maintained an 85% success rate, helping more than 7,000 veterans recover from homelessness. The organization has since expanded from Kansas City to other cities, including St. Louis.

Boots on the ground

Commerce Bank’s relationship with VCP runs deep, rooted in the efforts of SALUTE members who have been volunteering their time with VCP in both Kansas City and St. Louis.

“When people from SALUTE volunteer with VCP, our role is to basically be boots on the ground,” says Chelsey Davis, a senior business development officer and co-chair of SALUTE in St. Louis. “We've done everything from painting to landscaping to digging fence poles to sorting items in their storage room. We do whatever they need help with.”

Beyond hands-on volunteer work, Commerce has also brought its knowledge in financial education to VCP. Through a curriculum called My Milestones, Commerce team members have been teaching personal finance to VCP staff, who then share that knowledge with the veterans they serve.

“When people have that kind of knowledge, it helps them get back on their feet that much faster and work toward having a better life,” says Kristina Heller, a commercial project manager for Commerce and co-chair of SALUTE in Kansas City. “Being able to help people in that way is incredible.”

Making a lasting impact

For VCP, partnerships like the one with Commerce Bank are essential to fulfilling their mission.

“Support from organizations like Commerce is vital because addressing veteran homelessness requires a community-wide effort,” said Ruby Black, a communications and events manager at VCP. “Every contribution — of time, resources or advocacy — helps us ensure that no veteran is left behind. Corporate and individual partnerships amplify our impact, allowing us to provide not only housing but also the wraparound services that help veterans rebuild their lives.”

For Scott, the connection between the bank and the organization represents something powerful. “There is nothing like volunteering at VCP,” he says. “The help you provide is just palpable. Everything you do directly benefits veterans. It’s an amazing place, and I just can’t say enough about it.”

Recognizing veterans this November

This November, Commerce Bank is showing additional appreciation for local veterans in a meaningful way. From Nov. 3–26, customers who are veterans of the armed forces are invited to visit any Commerce branch to receive a specially designed challenge coin.

These coins carry deep significance in military tradition, serving as tokens of appreciation for veterans’ dedication, service and merit. Veterans who receive a coin are encouraged to share a photo on social media and tag @CommerceBank.

Additionally, in order to commemorate Veterans Day and support veterans in need, Commerce will donate $5,000 to Veterans Community Project.

The challenge coin initiative embodies the spirit of community support that has defined Commerce’s connection with VCP — a simple gesture that carries profound significance for those who receive it.

“Challenge coins are very meaningful to veterans,” Davis says. “They really appreciate the recognition, and it’s a great way of thanking them for everything they’ve done for our country.”