One year after the October 8 fires, our community wakes up to reflection.
It may be coupled with grief, perhaps anger, even frustration. Some of us may feel hopeful and grateful; others of us find ourselves lost in our memories, or perhaps finding ways to avoid them.
There’s no shaking it: it’s been a hard year. It’s been physically hard, as many of us performed physical, manual labor to clean, sort, and physically care for others. And it’s been emotionally hard, as we pieced together our lives and supported our friends and neighbors to piece together theirs.
Alongside all of you, COTS and our sister agencies throughout Sonoma County, have coordinated resources, raised funds for the long haul, and established new programs to address the community’s expected need. We are slowly learning about the longer-term impacts, with 21,000 people reported to be precariously housed.
Today, I am filled with gratitude for the help you’ve given that has allowed us to double down on our efforts to make this community whole. Because of you, COTS opened the Laure Reichek Housing Hub in Santa Rosa that has, since July, housed 60 individuals. We continue to provide shelter for hundreds of people who need it, and permanent housing for hundreds more families and adults confronted with desperation. More than housing, each person we engage feels heard and supported by people who care. We watch mothers’ faces relax when they step into our offices and are offered a glass of water, a snack, and practical solutions.
We continue to gather strength from all of you; from your generosity, your patience with each other, and the love you share every single day.
COTS remains a proud partner to our community — today, tomorrow, and always.
Judy Tuhtan, COTS Board President