After steady declines in homelessness from 2007 through 2014, the number of people without homes in California has now risen for three consecutive years. California is home to 21 of the 30 most expensive rental markets in the nation and the state does not have enough affordable housing stock to meet the demand of low-income households. The state’s 2.2 million extremely low-income and very low-income renter households compete for 664,000 affordable rental homes.

The affordable housing shortage is also reflected here in Nevada County, and can be even more of an issue for the 28% of Hospitality House guests that struggle with a physical disability.

Cathy began sheltering with us last December. She suffers from Multiple Sclerosis and is limited to walking with a 4-point walker. Her family (several in the area) were estranged from her. After seeing her struggle during the day, through the winter season of snow and rain, we coordinated with the Medical Social Workers at the local hospital to get her placed in the Westview Skilled Nursing Facility in Auburn for long term care. What a blessing for her overall comfort and safety.

On another note: Bread & Roses Thrift Store needs your quality donations as you do your spring cleaning. That’s just another way to help people struggling with homelessness. You can drop off donations behind Bread & Roses, Tuesday-Saturday, noon-5pm, which is right next to Big A Drive-In. They also have a cool marble-topped coffee table and a really nice couch you should check out.

Now down to the nitty gritty needs of the shelter for THIS week . . . 
– Sturdy summer sandals for both men and women
– Ibuprofen 
– Mens pants, sizes 30-36
– Art supplies, specifically canvases for acrylic painting and beading supplies
– Teaching assistant for our Rental Readiness class
– Photographer to do a 4-6 week project with our shelter guests
Drop off your donations at Utah’s Place, located in Brunswick Basin, past the DMV, at 1262 Sutton Way. Or email Debbie@hhshelter.org with questions.

Thank you to Jerry Grant and his orchestra, Motoshi Kosaki, Tumble, Gary Regina, Sands Hall, Maggie McKaig, Randy McKean, Dick Mentzer and the other talented people who organized and performed in the jazz benefit for Hospitality House this last Wednesday night. We are so thankful for this wonderful community performance.

There are two upcoming events for your calendar:
On May 23, we are remembering Utah Phillips: 10 Years Gone and Going Strong. Join us at Utah’s Place and share a song, or story or a smile. Wednesday, May 23 from 1 to 3 p.m. at Utah’s Place, 1262 Sutton Way. If you can’t make it, send a story that can be shared with others to Debbie@hhshelter.org.

Also mark your calendars to join our homeless guests in a Community Cleanup Day on Thursday, May 31, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., hosted by Hospitality House. We will be picking up trash in Brunswick Basin and going out to several other camps and areas. Thanks to Waste Management for helping with a dumpster. Bring your gloves to Hospitality House, 1262 Sutton Way at 9 a.m. on May 31. See you there!

What will your legacy inspire? Find out how you can create lasting impact today>