At COTS, our mission is to assist those experiencing homelessness to find and keep housing, increase self-sufficiency and improve well-being. We envision a community where everyone has a place to call home.
According to the 2022 Point in Time Count, there are some 3,000 individuals experiencing homelessness in Sonoma County. For 35 years, COTS has been working to combat this crisis, providing hot and nutritious meals daily to anyone in need and a range of services to support people in reaching their short- and long-term housing, healthcare and employment goals. Our programs and services are rooted in a deep understanding of the experience of homelessness – and are shaped by an evidence-based approach that emphasizes dignity, care and inclusivity for our clients.
Last year we supported 563 unsheltered individuals and housed 264 people.
Housing-First, Housing-Focused
In 2022, COTS moved to a housing-focused model. Housing Focused means honoring what works about Housing First, while asking clients to be more accountable for their housing search. Guests at the Mary Isaak Center meet weekly with their care manager. Accountability is key to staying in shelter and getting housing becomes a shared responsibility. This new approach empowers our guests and our team members and results in more individuals finding permanent housing.