Remembering COTS' Volunteer, Margie Popp

Margie Popp was COTS’ longest-serving volunteer, dedicating over thirty years to COTS and the former Petaluma Kitchen. Most of her service was spent as the lead volunteer for the lunch shift at Mary’s Table on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. She was an example of service not only at COTS but in our community. 

Margie lived in Petaluma for all 99 years of her life. In 1945, she started working as an “office girl,” earning 17 cents an hour for a 45-hour workweek. She worked for the same company for 38 years before retiring in the 1980s. After retirement, Margie sought other ways to fill her time and found a calling by feeding those in need. 

Margie began her volunteer service at the Petaluma Kitchen, which is now COTS’ Mary’s Table program.  Margie always felt called to help others by providing meals. Director of Programs, Robin Phoenix, recalled why Margie volunteered: “My mom used to feed the hobos on the railroad tracks. She said everyone needs to eat. I’m following in her footsteps to feed those who are hungry; she taught me this.” 

Margie’s dedication and commitment were recognized over time, and she became the lead volunteer for her shifts. Margie often volunteered for over 50 hours each month! She often said it was the clients who kept her coming back year after year. Engagement Specialist, Diana Morales, remarked, “No one was more dedicated to the mission of COTS and the clients she served meals to.” Margie continued to serve until the Covid-19 pandemic made it too difficult for her to volunteer. Though many hoped she would return after the pandemic but it was too challenging at age 97. 

During her time at COTS, Margie’s work profoundly impacted staff, clients, and fellow volunteers. We are deeply grateful for her legacy of service in our community! 

To learn more about Margie’s service, read the Argus Courier article awarding her the 2014 Petaluma Volunteer of the Year Award. 

Click here to read more about Margie’s life and legacy. 

 

by Development

The COTS Collective: May 2024

May COTS’ Collective.

In 2023, COTS published anew 5-year strategic plan. We understand that solving homelessness requires a broad range of programs and services tailored to meet the needs of each unique individual. Through this planning process, COTS identified improving healthcare outcomes as a priority for us over the next five years—to that end, COTS is only weeks away from starting construction on a critical project to expand our existing RecuperativeCare program from six beds to twenty beds.

COTS’ Recuperative Care currently offers services, meals, and a place to heal for individuals exiting the hospital who are experiencing homelessness.  The combination of a safe place to recuperate combined with supportive services is yielding incredible results.  Recuperative Care sees 85% of its clients exiting to housing, another shelter, or a care facility—not back to the streets.

Recuperative Care also provides tremendous community benefits, saving our hospital and city partners hundreds of thousands of dollars by reducing emergency hospital visits and overnight hospital stays. Receiving care in the COTS Recuperative Care program is 25x less expensive than spending a night in the hospital.

We are thrilled to be expanding this critical program, but we need your help to move this project over the finish line! This construction project will cost COTS $490,000 to complete—so far, we are pleased to announce we have successfully raised $425,000.

Despite generous support from our community partners and donors, we still need an additional $65,000 to complete this important construction project. This project will serve vulnerable adults and seniors in our community for decades to come. Please consider a donation to support the successful completion of this project.

Thank you for working along side us to end homelessness in our community.

Warmly,

Chris Cabral, CEO

Mission Moment.

 

Having served as a firefighter, labored in construction, and worked health care, Christina has experienced many successes in life until she lost her way and home. Afraid for her safety on the streets, Christina knew she needed help.

After hearing about COTS, Christina decided to start there. She recalls being welcomed by Jesse, COTS Shelter Services Assistant, and the care managers.

Upon entering COTS, Christina was exhausted from living in fear. She spent her first days at COTS sleeping and smiling- grateful to have safety in the shelter.

 

While at COTS, Christing volunteered in the kitchen, joined a Recovery Group, and began going on staff-led nature walks. At COTS, she found people who supported her.

 

With the help of her care managers, she relentlessly searched for housing. When housing options finally became available, her care managers helped her with paperwork and finalizing her move. Nearly two years ago, she was able to move into housing and joyfully remains there today.

“I had the privilege to be shown support, so I could grow and do better, because we can’t do it alone.  I’m so grateful for COTS . . .  supporting me.”

-Christina

Read Christina's Story Here

by Development

Christina's Story

Having served as a firefighter, labored in construction, and worked health care, Christina had experienced many successes in life until she lost her way. After being afraid for her safety on the streets, Christina knew she needed to change her situation.  

Having heard about COTS, Christina decided to start there. She recalls being welcomed by Jesse, COTS Shelter Services Assistant, and the care managers. They helped her file intake forms, gave her a tour of the Mary Isaak Center, and provided her with necessities such as clean towels and sheets. 

Upon entering COTS, Christina was exhausted from living in fear. She spent her first days at COTS sleeping and smiling- grateful to have safety in the shelter.  

After regaining some of her energy, Christina wanted to stay busy doing something positive and beneficial for COTS. She brought her love of cooking to Chef Janin’s attention and began volunteering in the kitchen. Christina was proud to volunteer and even prepare food for special events.  

Aside from volunteering in the kitchen, Christina also joined a Recovery Group and began going on staff-led nature walks. At COTS, she found people who supported her. There were staff, clients, and volunteers who cared for her and became her friends. With unending care and support, Christina was able to come out of the darkness and into the light.  

With the help of her care managers, she relentlessly searched for housing. When housing options finally became available, her care managers helped her with paperwork and finalizing her move. Nearly two years ago, she was able to move into housing and joyfully remains there today.  

 

 “I had the privilege to be shown support, so I could grow and do better, because we can’t do it alone.  I’m so grateful for COTS . . .  they supported me.”  

 

by Development

Kevin's Story

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Mental Health Matters at COTS

Thanks to your support, COTS provides life-changing services that keep our clients housed. Here are some of

their personal stories.

Geo’s Story

One of the things I value immensely with therapy is that I recognize a tendency in myself to beat myself up,

belittle myself and isolate myself. All the adjectives that describe self-sabotage. I judge myself harder than

the world does. Conversations with Karyn help bring it outside of me. I’m not the only person in the world

that this happens to, I’m sure

These conversations show me

1) that it’s not just me

2) that I am making progress

3) that I am dealing with old trauma

I need ongoing therapy to deal with all the traumas that will stay with me likely for life but with therapy I

can recognize triggers, symptomology and get help with not getting trapped in my dark and sticky gunk.

Sebastian’s Story

At 23 years of age, I have been homeless for the last 2 years.

Finally, I am housed thanks to COTS.

I have access to therapeutic resources which I would not have been able to do without COTS.

I have had therapists in my lifetime as I struggle with ongoing debilitating depression.

I am able to see Karyn weekly for the last couple of months.

It is really nice to have a therapist like Karyn who is casual but professional which makes me feel safe in

expressing difficult emotions.

Heather’s Story

Karyn is helping me understand me better and helping me be more aware of my surroundings, which I

have never done before. My brother Bobby has been telling me the same thing.

Karyn and the integrity housing program has helped me in my situation so much. I have been with COTS for

many years from my days at the Mary Issak center to the Integrity housing program.

I had access to Karyn’s good morning groups in house at the MIC to her women’s support group at the MIC

and now I have individual therapy with Karyn.

COTS has changed my life for the better. Thanks you so much!

Callie’s Story

Due to the nature of homelessness many people such as myself have limited support in the community.

It is very easy to become isolated and experience increased levels of depression.

Ongoing mental health services provide the support of having someone who reaches out. This means I am

not isolated, and a therapist can monitor the depths of my depression.

Without the support I have received from Karyn I would not be as healthy as I am now. As depression is an

ongoing illness, I think it can be managed but not cured.

The need to have helpful consultation is a necessity. Depression is unpredictable and circumstances

beyond a person’s control can trigger it to another level. This is where the support of a trained clinician has

kept me from going in to deeper waters and as my therapy has been ongoing for several years it continues

to give me hope of a less scary future.

Diana’s Story

Upon arriving at The Mary Isaak Center after experiencing life on the streets of Santa Rosa, I had no sense

of my place in this world. Not able to look at myself in a mirror, or in another person’s eyes, I was ashamed.

Part of my IAP-Individual Action Plan was to take part in group therapy, which I did, with Karin Duffy. I did

not trust the process or anyone in the group and participated only when called on.

Through self-examination I realized that the anger and fear inside of me, fight or flight, was not normal. I

signed up for individual therapy with Karin and was willing to be open and truthful with Karin as I was sick

of being in constant fight or flight mode.

With Karin, I was able to explore the childhood trauma I experienced at the hands of a teacher. Karin

guided me through the process, and I felt safe doing so.

8 years later, I have a wonderful support group to help keep me on track, Karin is still my therapist and

have been able to move past the traumas and focus on my family, my job at COTS and my future.

I am now a productive member of this community and I have a wonderful relationship with my family.

by Development

The COTS Collective: April 2024

April COTS’ Collective.

COTS, like other service providers, understands that permanent supportive housing is a transformative approach to addressing homelessness—with fewer than 5% of individuals returning to homelessness after placement in permanent supportive housing.

 

Permanent supportive housing offers long-term supportive services alongside subsidized housing. Services include assistance navigating healthcare, benefits, employment, childcare, and transportation. In addition, supportive services often include behavioral health support, group social activities, and education opportunities to help tenants understand their duties and rights as a tenant, and to help individuals develop long-term household budgets.

 

In 2023, COTS completed a new 5-year strategic plan—a large part of that plan is to add new permanent supportive housing units in our community.

 

The Studios at Montero is a 60-unit project located in Petaluma, CA. This project, which opened in 2023, has successfully housed more than 60 formerly unsheltered individuals and families, and has created a sense of community among tenants.

 

In addition, COTS operates many smaller units scattered throughout Petaluma, Rohnert Park, and Santa Rosa. One of the key components of scattered site permanent supportive housing is its decentralized nature. Instead of congregating individuals in one single location, COTS works with landlords and property owners throughout the community to secure safe and affordable housing options. This approach helps formerly unsheltered individuals integrate into the fabric of our community and promotes social inclusion.

 

In 2024, COTS has successfully added 14 units of permanent supportive housing in Santa Rosa, CA, bringing the total number of COTS-supported units to more than 100. We look forward to continuing to grow this important program.

 

Permanent supportive housing options are a powerful tool in the fight against homelessness. One of the most effective approaches to ending homelessness, permanent supportive housing offers individuals and families a pathway to permanent stability, self-sufficiency, and hope. COTS is proud to make such a profound impact on those we serve, and the community at large through these innovative approaches to housing.

 

We thank each of you for supporting our critical work and invite you to participate as a volunteer or donor. To learn more, please visit www.cots.org.

Until Next Time,

Chris Cabral, CEO

Mission Moment.

 

After living in Japan for 21 years as an English Instructor, former COTS client, Kevin, returned to the United States. Upon his return, Kevin’s depression consumed him, and he slowly lost everything.

When he was living under a bush, with nothing but the shirt on his back, Kevin decided the world would be a better place without him living in it. After making several unsuccessful attempts to end his life, Kevin decided to walk to a nearby bridge and make the final attempt at ending his life.  On a whim, Kevin decided to visit a shelter that he had been told about and happened to be along the way.

 

Kevin quickly moved into the Mary Isaak Center, and his life began to change. He remained at the Mary Isaak Center for six months until he moved into a COTS Integrity Housing property in Petaluma. Integrity Housing is one of COTS’ Community Housing Programs, where COTS master leases properties and subleases individual rooms to adults and families experiencing homelessness. During his time at Integrity Housing, Kevin took advantage of COTS’ services and visited a psychologist and got an emotional support animal letter. With this letter, Kevin gained his furry friend, Zoe.

Almost a year after getting Zoe and right around his 68th birthday, Kevin received a call that there was a permanent housing opportunity for him and Zoe in Santa Rosa. The two of them moved in earlier this year and are ecstatic for the future.

“But, I mean, the reality is, I’m alive today, thanks to COTS. I’m here having a happy life, looking at the cutest dog in the world, [and] loving my life because of COTS and because of the attention that I received from Debbie Robbins and the organization.”

-Kevin

by Development

The COTS Collective: March 2024

March COTS’ Collective.

We hope this COTS Collective edition finds you well and filled with warmth knowing you are making a difference in the lives of our neighbors. Today, we want to share the remarkable impact of our winter Warming Center program operating at the Mary Isaak Center shelter.

While Winter in Northern California is often referred to as “mild,” being unsheltered during 40-degree nights with biting wind and heavy rain could hardly be described as “mild.” As one of the few providers in Sonoma County operating a warming center during the winter months, COTS experienced an influx of community members requiring shelter during our coldest nights.

This year, COTS served 123 individuals in our Warming Center program, offering a safe and warm sanctuary for overnight relief during the coldest months of the year. COTS also worked with these individuals to ensure everyone received an opportunity to apply for additional supportive services beyond the Warming Center, including ongoing shelter, housing search support, hot meals, and referrals to community resources.

The COTS Warming Center goes beyond providing shelter from the cold—we provide a lifeline for individuals experiencing homelessness, offering a community that cares. A community where individuals are seen, heard, and valued. COTS is a place where all individuals are treated with dignity and respect.

Through your support, COTS was able to expand our services this year, providing shelter and services at our Warming Center to more people than in any previous year. Access to warm overnight shelter prevents illness and serves as a crucial bridge to other supportive services—saving lives and improving Sonoma County for everyone.

We are all filled with gratitude for your ongoing support of our mission. Your generosity and compassion make this possible. Together, we are changing lives.

A SPECIAL NOTE

 

A few weeks ago, we shared a special note regarding the abrupt closure of Social Advocates for Youth (SAY.) Along with other community providers, COTS has continued to work alongside youth who were previously served by SAY. Our organization is humbled to have the opportunity to serve these youth, ensuring they receive needed housing support and ongoing services during this difficult community transition.

As our cherished supporters, COTS wants to assure you that we are in a strong financial position. Our commitment to transparency and accountability has enabled us to effectively steward the resources and investments you entrust to us.

Your contributions have enabled us to expand our reach and empower the community in new and exciting ways. As we look to the future, COTS remains steadfast in our dedication to fiscal responsibility and program excellence. Your continued support is crucial as we work towards our shared vision of a community where everyone has a place to call home.

 

Thank you for believing in us and standing by our side.

Until Next Time,

Chris Cabral, CEO

Thanks to Redwood Credit Union, Bill Gabbert, and Gene and Suzanne Valla, COTS has been challenged to raise $30,000 during Hops for Homes!

If we successfully meet our goal, they will DOUBLE the amount, doubling your impact!

Get Your Tickets TodayCan't make it? Give today to make an impact!

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Grace's Story

Grace came to COTS after spending almost a year in hospitals and rehab centers recovering from a stroke and a heart attack. While she was in care, still learning how to speak, walk, comb her hair, and handle a pencil, her roommate died in their shared apartment.

Without being aware of what was going on in the outside world, Grace lost her lease and all her belongings, even her identification and Social Security cards.

One bright spot in the time she spent in the hospital under strict COVID protocols was her son, Alex, outside her window on her birthday, holding up a poster board that let her know he loved her. “That’s my kid,” she says. “He’s the best. I swore I was going to be able to get out of there and hug my kids.”

Finally, she was partially recovered. But she was also homeless for the first time. “You’re vulnerable when you’re recovering from a stroke,” Grace says. “I came to COTS with a lot of fear.”

But she rarely showed it.

She dived into life at COTS, working with Jeremy, her physical therapist, outside on a wheelchair ramp, and volunteering in the kitchen as soon as she was able.

“[Chef]Janin was one of the first people I talked to at COTS,” Grace says. “I told her I wanted to do something, and she said she’d find me a job I could do. And she really did.”

Grace became a fixture at our front door, handing out meals and laughs to every community member who needed one, the other—or both. It was a great fit for Grace, who’d spent many years managing restaurants and inns in and around Guerneville. If you’re from those parts, you might remember her happy face at the wheel of Santa’s mail truck, heading to the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence’s annual holiday dos.

“I do click with people,” Grace says, “and I also know how to find my people. I taught my kids to steer clear of drama, and that’s what I did at COTS.”

Grace found a supportive group of friends who encouraged and motivated each other. She also worked every day to recover from her stroke and to take care of any and all the red tape entanglements that could hold her back. She used COTS’ help to obtain her identification, increase her Social Security income, and finally file for a divorce from an ex whom she hadn’t seen in decades.

Luckily, she was eligible for a new affordable housing complex in Healdsburg, a town she might have driven through a few times but to which she had no ties. “I said, ‘Sure,’” Grace says. “Of course! I’ll make friends!” The application process was grueling and there were many construction delays, but Grace stuck with it—even after suffering another stroke—this time, mild.

Now, she’s getting to know her new town, enjoying the free concerts in the Plaza and the view of redwood trees out her bedroom window. Best of all? Inviting her two children to her apartment for home-cooked meals.

Thank you, donors, for giving us the support that brought Grace into our lives and into a home of her own. She gave us an example of grace, determination, and community that inspires our work.  We are grateful to know her and grateful for your support.

by Development

Jane's Story

Jane* was a lively spirit on a path full of success until her world was turned upside down. Like so many others, the start of the COVID-19 Pandemic marked the start of a tumultuous next few years. Jane owned her own business, a successful massage therapy studio that was established in Petaluma almost two decades ago. However, the pandemic brought a drastic decrease in clientele and, after sustaining an injury to her wrist, she had to close her doors permanently.  

As Jane approached her mid 70’s in age, she was without a sustainable income, as social security did not cover the cost of living. Luckily, Jane had savings she could tap into and for the next five years, she continued living in her home and prepared herself for what was to come next. 

Jane knew she would eventually be forced to leave her home due to finances once her savings were depleted and moved her belongings into storage as she tried to wrangle applications for affordable housing options herself. With no background on the process, Jane was greeted with legal jargon and an insurmountable amount of paperwork. This was not going to be a quick process. 

With an overwhelming feeling of panic and terror, Jane started to starve herself and her body weight fell to 75 pounds. Jane was slipping into a state of needing more care than her general doctor could provide her with but could not find the energy to care for herself any longer. 

She was still racing against the clock of her savings running out and Jane tried to pursue all available options but could not cross the finish line to secure herself stable, affordable housing. She was forced out of her home and onto the streets of the Petaluma community she had long been an integral piece of. 

With no other solutions, Jane called a shelter she knew was in Petaluma, COTS. Soon after speaking to a “kind” individual on the phone about the waiting list for a bottom bunk placement in the shelter at the Mary Isaak Center, Jane saw a light at the end of the tunnel. Partnering with Eileen from the Red Tape Club, she filed her application to stay at COTS and was placed in COTS’ People’s Village. “So, I feel this place [COTS] is a blessing to me. I've said that twice to you and I do I feel was a blessing.” Jane remained in People’s Village for 13 months, taking advantage of every single resource available to her.  

One resource was access to meals from Mary’s Table at COTS. When she was living in her home, she loved eating the premade salads from Trader Joe’s and was ecstatic when she found that COTS provided deliciously similar salads. 

Jane’s other key resource was again Eileen, in the Red Tape Club. Eileen helped her complete the paperwork she struggled to file on her own. Together they applied for PEP Housing, affordable housing for seniors. “Gratitude is one word I would say for this place. Really. Gratitude is what I feel more than anything. Not to mention that the people who, are they are so there's so able to do their job.” Jane was appreciative of the access to resources and often tried to encourage other clients to use them too – even if they were just staying at COTS for the emergency shelter. “Mary Isaak is good. Whenever they're able, they shut off half the kitchen and make the other part of the kitchen a place for people to be accommodated with mattresses for sleep- especially in the bad weather.” 

 

Then, her application results came in. After months of filing paperwork and meeting with her Eileen, Jane had been accepted into permanent, affordable housing. Joy poured out of her as she prepared to move out. “I grew in love here. I grew in respect of others and to other people. . . To see that they are people, many of them have just marvelous, beautiful qualities that are different than me.”  

She made beautiful cards for everyone who had helped her at COTS, and hand delivered them to their office spaces before her moving day. 

“I know where I'm going is a lovely place, and I feel honored to have been so fortunate as to get a residence like this.”  

At 82 years of age, Jane was as excited as a kid in a candy shop looking forward to her new place. Jane is also planning on finding a way to contribute back to other people in need. She would like to volunteer with   

“Lutetia, and I love what she brings to people. And she knows that she tries to learn everybody's name. Of course, she's not going to know everybody's name. And but I have to become a friend of hers. Well, we are friends. And I would like to find a way one day a week to work with her and to do part of the work that she's doing on one of the days that she might be find me useful.” 

 

*Client's name has been changed for privacy.

by Development

COTS' Diana Morales speaking at Petaluma's Women's Club

In November 2023, Petaluma’s Women’s Club welcomed COTS’ engagement specialist, Diana Morales, to speak about COTS to their members. As someone with lived experience, Diana passionately advocates for COTS whenever she gets a chance.

Diana lived on the streets of Santa Rosa for four years battling alcoholism until someone urged her to visit COTS. With no shoes on her feet, Diana boarded the bus and began the life-changing journey that has led her to permanent housing, full-time employment, and a rekindling of her relationship with her mom.

She highlighted that our clients' journeys start the moment they walk through our doors. Once they come in, they begin to realize they are in a safe place. They have access to hot showers, a safe bed, and steady food access. After they settle in, the work of securing their housing begins for both their care manager and them. Our transition to becoming a housing-focused program means that we require the clients to participate in their care and housing process.

Depending on each client's capacity and their long-term goals, COTS offers a variety of pathways to gain housing.

“Our shelters are not permanent housing, but they are a stepping stone to coming in off the streets.”

COTS has 80 beds and during this event, 65 were occupied by community members needing assistance.

COTS also provides Recuperative Care Housing. This style of housing allows neighbors experiencing homelessness to receive care from a medical facility and then have a safe, clean, and nourishing place to complete their healing process.

Also, COTS can allow clients to stay in our tiny homes, People’s Village. The 25 individual homes each have a desk, dresser, locking door, and communal access to showers and bathrooms.

Another route to housing is to rent at Studios at the Montero (SAM). SAM was created in partnership with Burbank Housing. An old hotel was renovated into 60 individual studio-style living units. Each unit’s rent is paid by the client as stated in their lease. Residents have access to care management, personal kitchenettes, bathrooms, a community gardening space, and a private parking lot.

With the need for affordable housing rising, COTS also utilizes integrity housing. COTS master leases housing in Petaluma, Cotati, Rohnert Park, and Santa Rosa. Then each of the rooms is rented out to those in our programs who are ready and able to live on their own. Each home has around four to five bedrooms. Like SAM, residents pay rent and have an official lease, but Integrity Housing is congregate living.

The rapid rehousing (RRH) team provides clients with access to state funding for deposits, the first month’s rent, and other fees. While the funding is not given to the clients, it is paid directly to the property managers or owners on the client's behalf. The rapid rehousing team steps in to help once clients have found a place to live and their rental applications have been accepted. Clients do not have to pay this funding back and receive inspections to ensure it is a safe and healthy environment for clients or families.
Once the housing is secured, the RRH team will help furnish the place and teach the clients how to save money and budget.

In addition to housing options, COTS provides many other client services.

Some members of Petaluma’s Women’s Club regularly volunteer, such as Lori who provides a sense of belonging to clients as they try to greet many of them by name while they are serving meals. These meals at the Mary Isaak Center, come from our certified chef who cooks and serves two homemade and delicious meals a day.

Our social services programs provide mental healthcare, physical and medical well-being, parenting classes, and more! COTS also partners with Petaluma Health Center to host Nurse Annie and her nurses in training for general care. Annie and her team can give our clients referrals to specialists, treat common ailments, and administer vaccinations.

The Red Tape Club at COTS assists with whatever may be restricting the clients back from achieving their goals. Red Tape Club has assisted clients with utilizing computers, filing applications, hosting mock interviews, finding employment, and handling legal issues.

With homelessness continuing to affect our community, COTS is a housing-focused program with wraparound services to help the whole person needing assistance in achieving their goals.

by Development