As reported on KVMR, on 11/23/18
I am Mikail Graham, Board Member for Hospitality House, which is the only emergency homeless shelter in Nevada County, with 69 beds for homeless men, women and children.
I have an amazing story that I want to share with you all today, of a retired 66-year-old woman that I will call “Kerry”. Kerry had a good living situation, she had a home, traveled and worked all through her life. Then, her life took a turn, she was suffering from disabilities, got into a relation of domestic violence, and was struggling financially. Kerry was homeless for four years, she slept in her car, hotels and stayed with friends. She finally decided to reach out for help and arrived at Hospitality House. After being at the shelter for about six weeks, Kerry got into housing! She now lives in a house with her little dog Tiny, and two other women that also have dogs! Kerry says, “I’m really appreciative for Nicole and Janelle, staff at Hospitality House, for helping me with housing and other services” “Staff is so compassionate, and their work is led by their heart”. Kerry is also grateful for the new van that Hospitality House has acquired, as it has allowed her to go to her Doctor’s appointments, pharmacy and other services that support her new journey. Kerry says, “I feel I have manifested all these positive changes because I want to improve myself” “I can finally wear PJs, and rest at home”.
Coming up! Is Giving Tuesday- Celebrated on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving and the widely recognized shopping event of Black Friday, #GivingTuesday kicks off the charitable season, when many focus on their holiday and end-of-year giving. In celebration of Giving Tuesday on November 27 you can sponsor one of 69 beds at Hospitality House for children, women and men. Your donation will provide shelter and food. Please visit hhshelter.org to contribute.
A big thank you to the volunteer dinner groups who made dinner for 80 every night last week: Unitarian Universalist Community of the Mountains, Resistance Catering, Unity in the Gold Country, Barbara’s A team, Choppers, Wolf Creek Co-Housing, our culinary students and to all that volunteered to serve at the Thanksgiving dinner held at the shelter.
Since 2005 I have been producing this special event that is so close to my heart, the 13th annual Night of Giving, a benefit for Hospitality House Community Shelter! This is the party…. of the year, that many await! This year we have a full moon musical celebration benefitting the homeless, featuring over 45 of Nevada County’s favorite performers. Performers such as Darol Anger & Emy Phelps, Paul Kamm & Eleanore MacDonald and the Lolo Gervais R&B Review to name just a few. Night of Giving is coming up on Saturday, December 22, at the Minors Foundry, tickets are $20, and no one will be turned away. We will have music, dinner and a silent auction – So, mark your calendars now! You can purchase your tickets through our website hhshelter.org or at the BriarPatch Coop and Bread & Roses Thrift Store.
And to everyone who dropped off needed items last week—thank you!
Now down to the nitty gritty needs of the shelter for THIS week . . .
- Travel size toothpaste
- Travel size, alcohol free mouthwash
- Men’s deodorant
- Men’s winter boots 8 to14
- Ladies winter boots 8 to11
- Winter hats and gloves
- White socks
- Long Johns’ men and ladies
- Ladies pants sizes 5 to10
- Heavy winter coats
- Toddler winter jackets
Drop off your donations at Utah’s Place, located in Brunswick Basin, past the DMV, at 1262 Sutton Way. Thank you for sticking together so that we all get what we need.