Development

As COTS’ CEO, each month I take a moment to consider what I want our community to know about our organization and our progress in serving Sonoma County’s homeless. I look forward to sharing these thoughts with you in this Virtual Cup of Coffee – my monthly communique about the business and mission moments of COTS (Committee On The Shelterless). In the Business portion, I will share the nuts and bolts of what we do to serve the homeless – our successes and our challenges. In the Mission Moment, I will share stories about our clients and our wonderful staff who make it all happen.

This month’s newsletter is arriving earlier than usual, given the uncertainty we face today and my belief in the need to communicate our action steps around COVID-19 with our COTS family. Together, I know that we can meet the challenge of this moment and keep each other safe in the weeks and months to come.

All my best,
Chuck

Virus Prevention Plan – Vigilance While Caring for Each Other

People experiencing homelessness already have compromised physical, mental, and emotional systems. Living on the streets or in encampments with poor hygiene and dietary habits only makes matters worse. For those coming into a shelter environment and living in a congregate environment with 100 other shelter residents, practicing “social distancing” is difficult. And because our staff work with our clients every day, we are taking the threat of a rapidly spreading virus very seriously and with an overabundance of caution.

Three weeks ago, we issued Virus Prevention Protocols for all staff, shelter residents, guests, and volunteers of COTS. We received input from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), The National Alliance to End Homelessness, The Petaluma Health Center, and Sonoma County Department of Health Services.

We are cleaning and wiping down shelter countertops, doors, sinks, and shower handles, and mopping floors with disinfectant multiple times a day. We installed a portable hand washing station outside the dining room and posted flyers throughout the shelter and bathrooms about washing your hands. We implemented new questions for new clients to the shelter such as if they’ve experienced shortness of breath, coughing, or fever within the last two weeks. Thankfully, we have a strong partnership with the Petaluma Health Center where we will refer those clients. We also ordered and installed more hand sanitizer dispensers, wipes, and other disinfectant supplies.

Staff are also wiping down high touch areas like keyboards, phones, desk surfaces, and chair handles. We will continue to refine our protocols as the situation changes.

In good times and in bad, our community relies on nonprofits to serve the most vulnerable. Our goal at COTS will remain the same – to get people off the streets and out of our shelter and into housing to realize stable, productive, and fulfilled lives. We’ve been through two fires before and we will get through this by being calm, thoughtful, and hyper-vigilant about health and safety. As humans, we are at our best when we stay interconnected and love and care for each other.

Ride-a-Long with Petaluma Police Department

Last week, COTS Outreach Specialist Jeff Schueller, Downtown Streets Team Director Karen Strolia, and myself accompanied Lt. Tim Lyons of the Petaluma Police Department (PPD) on his late night rounds of homeless encampments in Petaluma. It’s one thing to see the visible homeless walking the streets during the day but something totally different to see where they sleep at night and call home. Under highways, in thick brush, outside the entrance to businesses, empty homes, behind garbage containers, river banks, on top of buildings, and other very creative spaces…and often amongst much rubbish and filth. Lt. Lyons and one other police officer took three hours of their valuable time showing us over a dozen camps, and sadly, there were many more.

One person we met was from Alabama whose brother was a professional bass fisherman; another was living in a small wooden container and did odd jobs during the day for several businesses; another was living in the bushes with his dog and was a writer. Everyone we talked with did not want to come into a shelter. They preferred their freedom without rules. All had mental health challenges.

Lt. Lyons has been with PPD for thirty years and absolutely loves his job – and it shows. He was kind, caring, and very patient with everyone we met…and of course he knew their names. Some he had been working with for over twenty years. I asked Tim and Karen if they ever give up hope with the people on the streets, if some people just simply cannot be helped. And their response was an emphatic “never.” They firmly believe that everyone can be helped to lead stable and productive lives. Some just need special, more individualized services than others, but all can be helped.

As we moved from camp to camp, one thing became very clear – together with the Downtown Streets Team and Karen, PPD and truly caring people like Lt. Tim Lyons, Jeff Schueller, and our wonderful community, we can and will resolve homelessness in Petaluma.

Until next month,

Chuck Fernandez

As COTS’ CEO, each month I take a moment to consider what I want our community to know about our organization and our progress in serving Sonoma County’s homeless. I look forward to sharing these thoughts with you in this Virtual Cup of Coffee – my monthly communique about the business and mission moments of COTS (Committee On The Shelterless). In the Business portion, I will share the nuts and bolts of what we do to serve the homeless – our successes and our challenges. In the Mission Moment, I will share stories about our clients and our wonderful staff who make it all happen. I hope you enjoy it, and I look forward to your feedback.

All my best,
Chuck

Funding Cuts by the County

You’ve probably read that the County of Sonoma will reduce funding to homeless service providers by 34% beginning July 1, 2020. They just don’t have as much funding to distribute as they did the previous year. They also mentioned that funding for the following year, 21-22, will likely be reduced. It’s too early to tell what impact Governor Newsom’s homeless funding proposal will have on Sonoma County. For now, the reduction is unfortunate and it’s also a reality of nonprofit life.

Over the past 14+ months, we’ve made many staff changes and department restructures to be as cost efficient and program effective as possible. We looked for opportunities to improve coordination, cooperation, and outcomes. Those changes put us in a position to better weather these types of cuts. Each person is responsible and accountable for their job, the expectations and outcomes as outlined in their job description, and to each other and their clients. We cannot carry anyone who is not. We also intentionally strengthened and invested in our revenue generating departments of Grants and Development to create stability and sustainability. Good stewardship means spending more time, not less, on grants, fundraising, and other administrative responsibilities like compliance and quality improvement, data, metrics, and outcomes.

COTS is blessed as private funding continues to be strong and our community continues to believe in and support our Mission and Vision. We are grateful for you. Thank you.

How do nonprofits survive and thrive in an ever-changing funding environment that allows them to achieve their Mission, not change who they are just to qualify for a grant, and perhaps not be a traditional charitable organization?

I’m often asked why nonprofits don’t merge with each other. If there are 10,000 nonprofit organizations each serving 100 clients, should there instead be 100 nonprofit organizations each serving 10,000 clients more cost efficiently and with improved impact?

As we move forward, we will consider all of this and more to ensure that we are responsible stewards of your cherished investment in COTS and that we continue to help people transition from homelessness to a permanent home.

Clockwise from upper left: Development Manager Eileen Morris, Shelter Services Manager Robin Phoenix, Chef Janin Harmon, and Facilities Manager John McEntee

Roundtable by Congressman Jared Huffman

On Monday, Congressman Jared Huffman was at COTS conducting a Roundtable. We were delighted to host the Congressman and about 22 community leaders from Sonoma County. The Congressman wanted to know how he, on a federal level, can support effective homeless and housing strategies in our County through funding, policy, and advocacy. He was looking for solutions.

There were lots of suggestions and concerns raised. The need for sustainable funding instead of just for one or two years; the noticeable rise in hate speech and violence towards those experiencing homelessness; the need to push people out of their comfort zones and to force the conversation to solutions; that homelessness has negative impacts on the environment; that there needs to be a more coordinated and organized continuum of services and not organizations and services working in silos; that we need much more funding to solve challenges with mental health and substance abuse and addiction. The Congressman is having these Roundtables throughout his District to better inform him of the challenges we are facing and some possible solutions.

Hosting your Congressman is no easy feat. At the same time as the Roundtable was going on, we had a training ten feet away to prepare for our Annual Point in Time Count being done on Friday. This is where hundreds of people go to all parts of Sonoma County at 5am to count those experiencing homelessness. On top of that, we have to care for and feed over 112 homeless residents for breakfast and lunch. Our staff and shelter residents did a beautiful job with the logistics of parking, cleaning the shelter to be presentable, ensuring residents are fed, hosting two simultaneous events, and appearing calm and controlled during it all.

So much thanks goes to our staff and shelter residents for a smooth-running morning. Special thanks goes to Development Manager Eileen Morris, Shelter Services Manager Robin Phoenix, Facilities Manager John McEntee, and our chef Janin Harmon for taking charge and working with their teams on the many details behind the scenes. Many of us were excited to host this event and there was a real sense of pride in showing off the Mary Isaak Center.

Another busy and satisfying day at COTS.

Until next month,

Chuck Fernandez

As COTS’ CEO, each month I take a moment to consider what I want our community to know about our organization and our progress in serving Sonoma County’s homeless. I look forward to sharing these thoughts with you in this Virtual Cup of Coffee – my monthly communique about the business and mission moments of COTS (Committee On The Shelterless). In the Business portion, I will share the nuts and bolts of what we do to serve the homeless – our successes and our challenges. In the Mission Moment, I will share stories about our clients and our wonderful staff who make it all happen. I hope you enjoy it, and I look forward to your feedback.

All my best,
Chuck

Housing First is Not Housing Only

The Housing First (HF) approach is based on three core principles. One is that homelessness is primarily a housing problem and housing is the foundation for life improvement. Once basic necessities are met like shelter, food, warmth, and security, and the person is no longer in crisis wondering where they are going to eat or sleep, then they can concentrate and get the help they need. The second principle is the importance of removing barriers to get housing such as addiction, lack of income, or a criminal background. These issues are best addressed once housed.

The third principle, and what I believe to be the most critical to successful HF, is intense case management or wrap-around services to address their many needs. This is what will determine if a person will remain stably and successfully housed. Why is this so important?

After years of living on the streets, learning to live in an apartment is not as simple as unlocking the door and walking in. Housing comes with rules – no smoking, paying rent on time, cleaning your place, and simple things like taking your keys when you leave. Formerly homeless individuals are now living by someone else’s rules – the landlord’s. Living on the streets is different – you have no keys, you live hour by hour, there are no bills to pay. Leaving the streets means abandoning the past and imagining a new future. It means learning how to shop, making a budget, and planning ahead. Loneliness can also set in because friends are still on the streets or in shelters. That guilt can trigger old behaviors. All of this can be more challenging than living on the streets.

Given the economics of Sonoma County and the lack of affordable housing, just finding a place to live is difficult, so once you get a place, you need to do everything possible to keep it. This is where intense case management comes in – to help recondition people’s behaviors, help people become accountable and responsible for apartment living, and think differently. Someone said that a formerly homeless person could fall in and out of housing two or three times before they finally get it right. With intense case management, hopefully we can get it right the first time.

Don’t Judge a Book by its Cover

Have your parents ever said, “don’t judge a book by its cover?” Mine did – meaning don’t judge a person’s value or humanity by an outward appearance.

I’ve known Jimmy, one of our clients at the Mary Isaak Center, for almost ten years. I first met him while working for another shelter organization in Santa Rosa. The shelter desperately needed lots of beautification on the inside – painting, changing lights, fixing bathrooms, and more. Of course we had little money to do the work. So I asked about volunteers and Jimmy jumped in to help. He had experience with “handyman” type work. Jimmy was an absolute delight to work with and be around – forever positive, high energy, always wanting to help, showing up on time and working until the job is done. When someone needed help, Jimmy was there.

I saw Jimmy last week at the Mary Isaak Center. I’ve not seen him for several years. Still on the streets, still struggling with addiction, but still positive, upbeat, and energetic. He said he feels safe at COTS. He wants help and said, “we all want help.” He said the food is good at COTS, in fact he’s gained nine pounds. He looks good and healthy. Jimmy is also bald, has a goatee, wears a tank top, and has lots of tattoos. He said people walk on the other side of the street when they see him because they’re afraid of the way he looks. That hurts Jimmy. He’s taking steps to get rid of his tattoos.

Like many of us, I’ve been guilty of judging people by their appearance. And when I took the time…when I “opened the book” and got to know their story, I saw I was wrong in how I pre-judged them. My parents also said, “it’s what’s on the inside that counts.” I got to know Jimmy and I’m glad I did – he has a heart of gold.

Until next month,

Chuck Fernandez

As COTS’ CEO, each month I take a moment to consider what I want our community to know about our organization and our progress in serving Sonoma County’s homeless. I look forward to sharing these thoughts with you in this Virtual Cup of Coffee – my monthly communique about the business and mission moments of COTS (Committee On The Shelterless). In the Business portion, I will share the nuts and bolts of what we do to serve the homeless – our successes and our challenges. In the Mission Moment, I will share stories about our clients and our wonderful staff who make it all happen. I hope you enjoy it, and I look forward to your feedback.

All my best,
Chuck

Homelessness is Expensive

Managing homelessness is costly – to the economy, environment, health care, criminal justice system, and our fellow human beings. Estimates range from $30,000 to $50,000 a year per person that is chronically homeless, defined as being homeless for at least one year or longer with serious disabling conditions such as mental illness, substance use disorder, or physical disability.

A six-year study of some 104,000 homeless individuals in Santa Clara County showed that the county spent $520 Million a year or $3.1B over the six-year period on homeless services. The highest utilizers accounted for 47% of all costs and averaged over $100,000 per year.

53% of the annual costs was for health care. Serious health issues cause and result from homelessness. Living on the streets makes it difficult to get regular medical care, to rest and recuperate, and only exacerbates any illnesses, thus increasing medical costs. Of the annual costs, 34% was for the Justice System as homeless individuals also spend more time in jail or prison due to violations such as loitering or sleeping in cars. Then there’s the environmental impact – trash, human waste, rubbish from encampments, and polluted waterways – and the cost of the required clean-up. There’s also the costs to businesses such as reduced foot traffic in business districts, lower real estate values, or increased maintenance costs.

Various funding sources pay for these services – grants from the federal, state, and local government, private foundations and businesses, and generous donations.

The solution that many counties have adopted is the Housing First model. The premise is that homelessness is primarily a housing problem and that housing is the foundation for life improvement. Once the basic necessities like food, water, and shelter are cared for, then people are not in crisis and can focus on critical elements like employment, mental health, physical health, and other challenges. Studies show that getting someone housed quickly with supportive services results in significant decreases in use of emergency rooms, hospitalizations, incarcerations, and shelter stays. Estimates of the annual cost of housing someone for one year ranges between $15,000 to $20,000 versus $30,000 to $50,000 and even the $100,000 costs for high utilizers.

In Sonoma County, there is a moral and economic imperative: we need more housing units. Given the costs to our community, no one should be living on the streets.

Life in Encampments

Last week, I visited several encampments with our street outreach specialist Cecily Kagy. It was an eye opener. One encampment was very clean – no rubbish, needles, empty alcohol bottles, or urine and feces. They had rules and everyone had responsibilities, much like a home. There was a set-up for a shower, a cooking area, and a daily routine where several people would go out during the day to search for food and water. There were even plastic flowers hanging from one of the tents to make it feel homey. It was clear talking with the residents that they want to be in a home, want a job, and want to feel part of society and not looked down upon. One person teared-up when talking about her kids and grandkids.

We went to another encampment that was not so clean. Lots of rubbish, car parts, and dilapidated motor homes completely filled with stuff. Hoarding can be a psychological effect of homelessness: there is this feeling that, “If I can just have this stuff, then I will feel better.” Many of those experiencing homelessness have also lost people and things in their lives, so hoarding items can be a reminder of a life they used to have or hope to have, thus the need to stock up and be prepared.

We talked with one person who preferred living by himself. His grocery cart contained everything he owned. After graduating from a prestigious university, he started having mental health challenges and then just drifted from city to city. He didn’t want to be confined in a home or a shelter with other people. He was bright, articulate, and engaging. Cecily was able to bring him into the shelter last month to shower – his first time bathing in three years.

Through all of these encounters, Cecily was never in a rush – talking, hugging, smiling, joking, and genuinely engaging with everyone. She was part counselor, motivator, disciplinarian, parent, friend, and fellow human being who related to everyone and earned their respect because she was once homeless and on the streets herself. She said clients will sense if you’re in a rush because it means you don’t care – and if you don’t care, then you lose their trust. If you lose their trust, there’s no chance of helping them access services that will get them into a home.

While I don’t have a magic wand for ending homelessness, one thing is for sure. We can all be part of a solution by first being just a little bit like Cecily – taking the time, reaching out, and lending a helping hand to a neighbor in need.

Until next month,

Chuck Fernandez

I would like to sit down and have a cup of coffee with you to share our progress in serving the homeless, and hear from you about what we could be doing differently or better. Until then, I’d like to introduce you to a Virtual Cup of Coffee. This is my monthly communique about the business and mission moments of COTS – Committee On The Shelterless. In the business portion, I will share the nuts and bolts of what we do to serve the homeless – our successes and our challenges. In the mission moment, I will share stories about our clients and our wonderful staff who make it all happen. I hope you enjoy it, and I look forward to your feedback.

All my best,
Chuck

Point in Time Count Results

In February, I talked about participating in the annual Homeless Point in Time Count. It measures the prevalence of homelessness in each community and collects information on individuals and families in emergency shelters, transitional housing, and people sleeping on the streets, in cars, abandoned properties, or places not meant for human habitation. The count is the only source of nationwide data on homelessness and is required by HUD (Housing and Urban Development) of all jurisdictions receiving federal funding for homeless services.

The results of the count were released in late June.

For all of Sonoma County, the total homeless population was 2,951, down by 45 people or 1.5% from 2,996 in 2018. For Petaluma, the count was 265 people – down 20 from 285 in 2018. Not big changes but we are moving in the right direction.

The biggest increase was with unaccompanied children and youth, which increased from 515 in 2018 to 666 in 2019 or 29%. Young people have a harder time accessing services due to the stigma of their housing situation, lack of knowledge of available resources, and fewer services available for youth.

Eighty-seven percent of the people surveyed reported living in Sonoma County prior to becoming homeless. Of that, 70% reported living in Sonoma County for 10 or more years. I am often asked whether most of the homeless are local or from out of state or county, but the survey shows that these are our neighbors, our coworkers, even our friends.

Nineteen percent of those surveyed reported that their previous housing or sleeping location was affected by the 2017 fires and of those, 37% reported that their home or sleeping location was burned or destroyed by the fires.

Homeless veterans increased slightly from 207 in 2018 to 210 in 2019. Veterans experience higher rates of PTSD and TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury), sexual assault, and substance abuse, and are more likely to live on the streets versus shelters.

The survey also showed that the primary causes of homelessness were job loss, argument with family or friend, alcohol/drug abuse, eviction, and divorce or separation. The biggest obstacle to finding housing was not being able to afford the high rents. The most common health issues were drug or alcohol abuse (38%), psychiatric or emotional conditions (35%), PTSD (25%), and physical disorder (25%). Thirty-four percent reported a history of domestic violence and 16% reported trading sex for money due to their vulnerable circumstances and precarious access to basic needs.

Another question I hear is, “Do the homeless want to be housed?” Eighty-nine percent of those surveyed said they would want a home if one were available and affordable.

So what does this all mean? We have our work ahead of us to successfully address this very complex social issue. While the focus must continue to get people housed, we cannot forget about the need for more mental health counseling, longer case management support, and simply walking side by side with dignity and love until those experiencing homelessness are ready to be independent.

Shelter Rules and Client Advocacy

I often get the question about the rules at the Mary Isaak Center. Yes, we have rules against behavior such as violence or threats of violence toward staff or residents or use of alcohol or drugs in the shelter. It’s one way to maintain a sense of order and safety for our clients.

But we must be careful in how we carry out rules. An environment emphasizing rule enforcement can produce anger, resistance, and even rebelliousness. “If our residents have no way to express their feelings or are afraid to raise concerns with staff, then they may take their anger out on other residents.” One resident recently said to me, “we are all damaged people and we just need help.” A punitive environment only exacerbates that sense of despair. Moreover, strict rule enforcement without understanding a resident’s history can also impact staff morale.

At COTS, we balance shelter rules with advocacy. Each resident has the right to be respected, to be heard, to self-determination, and to reside in a clean and safe environment. We know that often, clients cannot advocate for themselves as they may not have the experience, self-confidence or know-how. So our case managers advocate for them. We help them clarify their goals, give them information about resources and opportunities that are best for them, and help them pursue housing, employment, and treatment. If someone acts out, we try to find out what is really going on. Yes, we exit people from the shelter for gross violations of rules. But we also make every effort to give each resident a warning and a second chance. The case managers have weekly meetings about each resident and their progress toward their goals. Case Managers take seriously their responsibility to help each resident be successful. Their advocacy for each resident is aligned with our mission of helping people transition from homelessness to housing and our values of Accountability, Respect, Integrity, and Results.

Living in a shelter is difficult. We hope our practice of rules balanced with strong advocacy results in harmony with 100 people living in a common space. We are grateful to our residents for trying to keep the Common Good of their neighbors in mind while at the Mary Isaak Center.

Until next month,

Chuck Fernandez