Seniors are the fastest-growing demographic falling into homelessness. The increase is driven by several factors, including housing affordability, fixed incomes, and health challenges. Individuals aged 50 and older now represent nearly 50% of the homeless population, up from 10% just a few short years ago. Thankfully, Hospitality House is ready to step up when community members find themselves with nowhere else to turn.
We ask you to consider a gift this holiday season to help even more of our neighbors in need find their way home. Generous local donors have offered to match donations made by December 15.
Gifts received by Dec. 15 will be DOUBLED – increasing the impact of your gift!
Hope for Retirement: For over twenty years, Cliff and Beth delivered newspapers for The Union and retired during the COVID-19 pandemic. They lived a simple yet comfortable life in Grass Valley, renting an upstairs room in a friend’s house that they called home for many years. Cliff and Beth felt fortunate to have each other and to live in such a beautiful area. The couple celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this past April and could never have predicted facing homelessness during such a significant milestone.
In mid-2024, Cliff had hip surgery. During his initial recovery phase after experiencing extreme stomach pain, it was determined that he had a hernia and appendicitis, requiring emergency surgery. After surgery, Cliff was discharged to a skilled nursing facility to regain his strength. It was clear to both Cliff and Beth that they could not return to their home due to Cliff’s mobility issues. They felt scared and desperate as they confronted the reality of being without a place to live.
After the rehabilitation center, the couple spent a few days in a motel. As independent contractors without pensions or retirement plans, they had little savings, and renting motel rooms was depleting their funds quickly. After seeking advice, they contacted Hospitality House. Although they felt nervous, they had no other option.
Cliff and Beth, along with their little dog, Suzie, arrived at Utah’s Place in late 2024. Both were pleasantly surprised by their experience at Utah’s Place, praising the staff, albeit overcoming the challenge of having to sleep in separate rooms due to the House Rules. It was a first in fifty years! Cliff jokingly remarked that the only girl allowed in the men’s dorm was Suzie.
A room became available at Sierra Guest Home (SGH), one of Hospitality House’s properties offering both transitional and permanent housing, and Cliff and Beth eagerly took the opportunity. Shortly after, Beth suffered a stroke and developed appendicitis, requiring immediate surgery. After her hospital release, Beth recovered at SGH rather than having to check into a rehabilitation facility, thanks to the on-site support. She was thankful to be healing at home alongside her husband. In September, Beth had another minor stroke but was, once again, able to return home after just a short stay in the hospital.
One of the benefits Beth appreciates most about SGH is the comprehensive support available to older adults with medical issues. Considering Beth’s new health issues, the couple decided they wanted to make SGH their permanent home. Timing proved fortuitous for the couple. Thanks to a large grant, SGH recently underwent renovations that added ten more units of permanent senior housing, so Cliff and Beth signed a lease agreement for one of the new studios.
Beth is especially excited about the kitchen in their new home. She has a passion for cooking and making fudge. “We just love it here,” Beth shared. “Everyone has been very nice. It feels like family.”
When asked what has kept them going through the tough times, Beth quickly responded, “Our love for each other and the kindness and support from the staff have made all the difference.” The couple’s deep commitment to one another is evident, and the staff feel grateful that the Vincents found such a perfect new home in such a short period of time.
A New Community for Carlos: Carlos Ramirez came to Hospitality House for help after he had a stroke that landed him in the Emergency Room. The relationship with his 14-year girlfriend had recently ended poorly, and he didn’t know where to turn. The move-in costs of getting his own place were out of reach, and he was facing sleeping on the streets at age 65 and in poor health. When friends heard this, they recommended he contact Hospitality House.
Hospitality House welcomed Carlos with open arms. During his intake meeting, he said he had been struggling with his eyesight ever since his stroke. Carlos’s case manager, Eric Lee, helped him set up appointments and provided rides to see a physician and an eye doctor to address his needs.
The appointments proved to be a possible lifesaver for Carlos. It turned out Carlos had heart problems that he was not aware of, which required a procedure, and he also needed eye surgery. Eric provided rides and accompanied Carlos to all his appointments and procedures. After surgery, Carlos moved into SGH to have a safe place to heal. Once Carlos felt better, he moved back to the shelter to continue looking for housing. Eric helped Carlos get all his paperwork in order so that he could receive his Social Security benefits and obtain a housing voucher. With income coming in and the opportunity to receive help with rent, things were looking up. When Carlos heard that rooms were opening up at SGH after the construction, he jumped at the opportunity.
He recently signed a lease and moved into one of the new permanent housing units. “It’s amazing here,” he said. He loves having people around and is thankful to be close to services he can walk to. Rides from the HAT Van are also a big help since he is no longer able to drive due to his eyesight. Carlos said he is most grateful for all the help he has received from Hospitality House and how it changed the trajectory of his future. He is very thankful for being connected to healthcare he didn’t know he needed and credits Hospitality House staff for where he is today. Carlos encourages anyone going through tough times to stay focused on solutions, not the problem, as that’s what helped him through. “You gotta keep looking forward, not backward,” he stated.
The stories above illustrate the challenges many seniors in our community are facing. A single life change can disrupt retirement plans and leave seniors at risk of homelessness. Please consider making a gift today to help provide food, shelter, and assistance to local residents like Cliff, Beth, and Carlos. Your donation will make a significant difference in someone’s life. Every dollar goes a long way toward helping our homeless residents get back to where they belong – HOME! No gift is too small or too large. Together, we can help those in need.
With gratitude,
Nancy Baglietto
Make your contribution by Dec 15 to double your donation. Every dollar counts!
To donate to help more Nevada County residents access food, shelter, and support in finding a permanent housing solution, CLICK HERE.