The Top 10 Moments of 2018: COTS is honored to help in fire recovery
10. COTS is honored to help in fire recovery
Like most Petaluma-based businesses, COTS jumped in where we could when the 2017 fires blazed to our north. We collected goods, and we helped our sister agencies with support staff when their own staff members couldn’t make it into work.
And, like most Petaluma-based businesses and organizations, we wished we could do more.
Thanks to our generous community, our wish has been granted, and, since July, we’ve been able to play a major role in ensuring that everyone—regardless of income—has an opportunity to recover and rebound from the fires.
The Laure Reichek Housing Hub in Santa Rosa is providing a variety of permanent rental opportunities to those made homeless in the fires or their immediate wake. We’ve opened our permanent shared housing program—Integrity Housing—to those impacted by the fires, and we’ve been able to expand our Rapid Re-Housing program, which provides services and monthly rental assistance until those who are housed can retain their housing on their own.
We have funding to help 572 people over three years. In our first five months, we housed 105 people!
The Housing Hub is named for our co-founder Laure Reichek. Funding comes from the Tipping Point Community Emergency Relief Fund; the North Bay Fire Relief Fund (a partnership of the Press Democrat, State Senator Mike McGuire and the Redwood Credit Union); the County of Sonoma, and many individuals, community groups and businesses.
If you know someone who needs help to rebound from homelessness, please direct him or her to the Laure Reichek Housing Hub.
COTS December News
Dear Friends,
Happy Holidays!
Thank you for all your support.
It’s a busy time of year, and we hope you’ll take some time for yourself to read some news from COTS. This is what your support makes possible. This is truly a season of light.
105 people are home for the holidays.
Thanks to this hugely generous community, we were able to open the Laure Reichek Housing Hub in mid-July to house people impacted by the Sonoma County fires of 2017.
Our goal is to house and stabilize at least 572 people over three years. We’re off to a good start: in our first five months, 105 people found permanent homes through the Hub.
Thank you, community!
COTS Holiday Free Store
Together, we worked a holiday miracle—housing 105 people since July out of our Santa Rosa office alone and more from our shelters in Petaluma! Thank you for making our work possible.
Now, we need another miracle.
We have over 200 households who are counting on us for holiday presents. 200!
People are donating like gangbusters to our Holiday Free Store, but—so far—we are not on track to serve all of our families.
If you’d like to help create another miracle, please donate gifts or gift cards to our Holiday Free Store at 223 North McDowell Blvd. in Petaluma. It’s in the Kmart shopping center, in the same pod as Starbucks. The Free Store is open for donations from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., until December 19th, on Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
If those times don’t work for you, please drop off your new, unwrapped gifts at an Exchange Bank branch in Petaluma. Be sure to let the folks at the bank know that your gift is for the Free Store. The Exchange Bank is also doing a giving tree and the employees there don’t want to mix up gifts.
Volunteer Spotlight: Zarbia Perez
Zarbia Perez’s school, St. Vincent de Paul High School, requires that students volunteer in their community. Zarbia completed her required 30 hours long ago, but she’s a constant presence at COTS. Right now, the senior is a mainstay at our Holiday Free Store, decorating, sorting, organizing and arranging. She loves meeting donors. “It’s amazing to see their generosity,” she says. “They are regular people and they come in and give so much! It’s almost like they are superheroes that are willing to donate so much for others.”
The preparation is fun, but Zarbia is most looking forward to helping COTS clients shop for their families.
“I think at my age, it’s easy to live in a bubble. I’m really fortunate. I have a great family and plans for a great future. Doing something like this helps me stay aware that not everyone is so lucky. It helps me put myself in other people’s shoes. I can get an understanding of what they’re going through.” Bottom line, Zarbia says: “It feels good to help.”
How good? Well, she’s recruited friends and family to the work as well. “It’s a great way for all of us to get in the holiday spirit,” she says.
Client Profile: Housed and on a path to health
If you consulted the actuarial tables, Ricardo should be dead.
He was born into a family where no one looked out for him except to do him terrible, terrible harm. He started smoking weed at age seven and drinking at age eight. No one intervened—not at home, not in the neighborhood, not in school. “I was always trying to be accepted, always hoping to be loved,” he says, “and I never was.”
For many years, his life took a predictable route—addiction, jail, broken relationships.
But, mysteriously, something clicked for Ricardo last year at age 39. “It was when I couldn’t see my kids,” he says. “I said, ‘Let me do treatment one more time.’”
Thanks to rental assistance from COTS’ Rapid Re-Housing program, Ricardo is now living in a Sober Living home, where he’s recently been promoted to assistant manager. He’s enrolled in classes at the junior college to become a union electrician, and he’s taking care of his physical health—getting a necessary surgery so he’ll be able to work when his studies are completed.
But the most important thing he’s been doing is taking care of his mental and spiritual wellbeing. He’s working with a therapist to examine his past trauma and to chart the kind of future he wants for himself and his family. He’ll be interviewing with the electrician’s union this month and he’s looking forward to a long visit with his kids over the holidays.
Thank you, supporters, for giving us the means to help Ricardo in his extraordinary and courageous journey.
Another Miracle: Miracle Mule
Henry Thoreau said, “When I hear music, I fear no danger. I am invulnerable. I see no foe. I am related to the earliest times, and to the latest.”
No one needs the power of music more than people enduring homelessness: to fear no danger, to feel connected—if only for an hour—is a great gift.
We are so grateful to the nonprofit Bread and Roses and to its seemingly endless supply of volunteer musicians. Every month, free of charge, they bring us a new, wonderful band or soloist.
On Wednesday, the “swampy-tonk” band Miracle Mule wowed us with a Louisiana-tinged program. They were tight and funny and they made people feel GREAT!
Thanks to all our friends at Bread and Roses.
Looking for a hand-crafted, one-of-a-kind gift?
Visit Petaluma Crafterino on Sunday, December 6 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Petaluma Veterans Memorial Building, 1094 Petaluma Boulevard South. The event features 70 artisans and craftspeople and—for the 10th year in a row—the event benefits COTS!
From all of us here at COTS, thank you for all you do, and we wish you a happy holiday season!
Holiday Free Store Volunteer Orientation
It's time for the COTS Holiday Free Store!
It’s that time again! COTS is hosting its annual Holiday Free Store, where our clients can come shop for their families from a selection of new, donated items in a beautiful donated store front in Petaluma. If you’re looking for a way to get involved and give back this holiday season, this is a great way to do so!
We are looking for volunteers to help us stock, decorate, and run the free store. If you’re interested in helping out, join us for an informational meeting on
WEDNESDAY
NOVEMBER 14TH, 2018
6:00pm coffee and tea meet & greet,
6:30pm orientation
In the dining room at the Mary Isaak Center
900 Hopper St in Petaluma
There will be shift sign-ups and more information about how to get involved, including information about donating, and our new gift-giving system. Please fill out the form below to let us know you’re coming, and we hope to see you there!
Ricardo
If you consulted the actuarial tables, Ricardo should be dead.
He was born into a family where no one looked out for him except to do him terrible harm. He started smoking weed at age seven and drinking at age eight. No one intervened—not at home, not in the neighborhood, not in school. “I was always trying to be accepted, always hoping to be loved,” he says, “and I never was.”
For many years, his life took the predictable route—addiction, jail, broken relationships.
But, mysteriously, something clicked for Ricardo last year at age 39. “It was when I couldn’t see my kids,” he says. “I said, ‘Let me do treatment one more time.’”
Thanks to rental assistance from COTS’ Rapid Re-Housing program, Ricardo is now living in a Sober Living home, where he’s recently been promoted to assistant manager. He’s enrolled in classes at the junior college to become a union electrician, and he’s taking care of his physical health—getting a necessary surgery so he’ll be able to work when his studies are completed.
But the most important thing he’s been doing is taking care of his mental and spiritual wellbeing. He’s working with a therapist to examine his past trauma and to chart the kind of future he wants for himself and his family. He’s also taking all the steps required to be able to see his kids unsupervised.
Thank you, supporters, for giving us the means to help Ricardo in his extraordinary and courageous journey.
Help Prepare a Holiday Meal at COTS
Interested in getting involved this holiday season? COTS is preparing two special meals this year, and we could use your help! We will be serving a full lunch Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. If you are interested in coming by to help out, please fill out the form below.
Space is limited, so reach out as soon as possible to secure your spot.
If you have questions about volunteering, contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Erik Shutvet, at (707) 765-6530 x136 or [email protected].
Thanksgiving Day Lunch Shift: Thursday, November 22nd, 8am-1pm
Christmas Day Lunch Shift: Tuesday, December 25th, 8am-1pm
25 Years of Warmth
"They don’t necessarily remember that they were living in a shelter, but they know that they love their quilt."
Every toddler needs a security blanket, their own little “lovey.” At COTS, those blankets are handmade, one-of-a-kind quilts made by the volunteers from Quilters for COTS.
“When I see a toddler snuggling under their quilt, using it as a tent, or wrapping up their stuffed animal, I think of all the hands that touched each piece of fabric, all the love that went into it,” says Case Manager Debbie Robbins. “I know of several kids who received quilts years ago and still cherish them. They don’t necessarily remember that they were living in a shelter, but they know that they love their quilt.”
It all started back in 1993, when some friends came together to make gifts for the kids at COTS. They’ve since expanded their mission to include our adult clients and the fire survivors we’re helping from our Santa Rosa offices. To date, they’ve provided almost 3,500 quilts!
“There are a lot of steps to putting together a quilt,” says Quilter Coordinator Ellie O’Connor. “Some of it we do on our own at home. But we get together at least once a month to put them together. All told, it takes between six and eight hours to put together one quilt.”
They rely on donations of fabric and batting—the more colorful the better. COTS has strict rules about privacy and confidentiality, so the quilters never know who gets a particular quilt. And that’s okay with them.
“I just think, ‘People will be warmer,’” says quilter Lillian Ruggles. “How beautiful is that? That’s all I need.”
To donate materials or to get involved, please contact Ellie at [email protected] or 707.763.0283.
COTS Milestones
“Great things are done by a series of small things brought together.”
-Vincent Van Gogh
COTS in Rohnert Park
A partnership with City of Rohnert Park will allow us to rapidly re-house 53 individuals this year.
Respite Revamped
Opening in October, this 7-bed recovery and recuperation unit at the Mary Isaak Center will reduce lengthy hospital stays for patients who are homeless.
COTS Opens in Santa Rosa
Laure Reichek Housing Hub will assist 572 individuals impacted by the fires to find and keep housing.
Diversion Takes Burden Off of Shelter
COTS Diversion Specialist assists individuals who are homeless but do not need shelter services to resolve housing-related issues.
New CEO
Chuck Fernandez begins his tenure on October 15. Chuck has been CEO of Catholic Charities of the East Bay in Oakland for four years, assuming that role after a 3-year stint as executive director of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Santa Rosa. We are thrilled to have him join COTS.
We asked former shelter guests,
“What’s it like living in your new home?”
“I have the confidence to reach out and become a leader in my neighborhood.”
“The expiration date is removed, removing the stress of having to make life changes while at the same time figuring out where to go next. In a shelter, your kids’ friends have to drop them off a block or The sun came shining through.” two away so they won’t know they live in ‘that place.’ Having a home removes the shame and embarrassment.”
“All that hard work paid off. The sun came shining through.”
Wendy's story
Wendy left COTS two and half years ago, after coming up on a wait list for a local affordable housing complex. She’s been busy! While working and raising her teenage kids, she earned her BA in Psychology last year from SSU.
She now works two jobs: freelancing as a massage therapist (the job with which she put herself through school) and working in her new field as a behavioral technician, working one-on-one with an autistic teenager, helping him develop school and life skills.
She credits COTS with helping her develop the habit of saving. “I grew up with a mother who spent money she didn’t have. I had to learn to do things a different way. If I hadn’t saved money at COTS I wouldn’t have been able to move to my apartment. Things are still tight, but I have a savings cushion that I’m really proud of.”
She’s also really proud of her kids—for their academic successes but also because of their maturity and consideration. “Living so close, we became close. They notice if I need help. They’ll cook and clean. They’ve stayed out of trouble and they have good heads on their shoulders.”
Wendy's advice: “Everybody needs help at some point in their life. For everybody, that help comes at different times and from different people. Let go of any stigma around that. If you don’t, you’ll be over- whelmed by your problems and you won’t get to where you want to go.”
Melvin's story
Melvin spent 30 years homeless, mostly avoiding shelters because of violence he’d witnessed in them. When he came to Petaluma in 2013, people told him about COTS, and he gave shelter another try.
While here, he felt safe, and he worked with COTS Benefits Advocate Barbara Pieper on a disability claim. Sadly, that application was unsuccessful. So, he unrolled his sleeping bag and started camping again. But Barbara saw him downtown one day and asked him to try again. He worked with Barbara on an appeal—this time, successfully.
He’s now in our Permanent Supportive Housing program, a program for adults with disabilities. He’s safe and secure, and he has the help of Kathleen Sinnott, a COTS Case Manager, who meets with him every week, helping him stay organized in his financial life, his home life and his social life. Melvin spends his free time at the Senior Center and the library, with frequent trips to Santa Rosa for errands.
Melvin's advice: “Volunteering at COTS, being involved, helped me stay busy and feel better.”
Danielle's story
Danielle and her two daughters moved into housing three years ago with help from COTS. Since our assistance ended, Danielle is doing great, winning recognition at her job with Petaluma Paratransit and helping her kids thrive.
“I feel very zen here. We have two bedrooms, one bathroom and a bird. For the kids
to have stability, that’s the most important thing.” She adds, “I’ve gone from everything I own fitting in a backpack and riding a bike that someone gave me to paying our rent, supporting my kids and handling a car loan. I have a savings account. My kids have savings accounts! It’s a struggle, but it feels good every month to be able to say, ‘I pay that cable bill, I bought that car!”
Danielle's advice: “You’re going to doubt yourself. Keep trying anyway.”
Danielle spent over a decade homeless. For more about Danielle and her story, come to The COTS Hour on November 13 (cotshour.org).