My name is Sydnie Day and I’m the Sierra Guest Home Supervising Case Manager at Hospitality House. I work daily at Sierra Guest Home, which is our senior permanent and transitional housing complex we opened last year. Part of my job is to help residents with their day-to-day management as well as those in transition take the next steps toward permanency.
One guest I’d like to share an update on is a woman who I’ll refer to as Beatrice. Beatrice is 67 years old and has been at Sierra Guest Home since August as a transitional placement. Prior to this, she was at our shelter, Utah’s Place, for about four months where she received help establishing medical and acquiring a primary care physician. Beatrice became homeless after fleeing the home she had lived in for 7 years in North San Juan. She is a domestic violence survivor.
When she got to Sierra Guest Home, I became her case manager, and we started working together on developing a case plan and setting goals. We applied for a Housing Choice Voucher through the Regional Housing Authority. We started working on a budget, and she began paying off her credit card bill. She applied for senior and subsidized housing, and I took her to turn in her applications in person so that she could introduce herself to property managers. I had heard that there were quite a few openings at an apartment complex in Truckee, so we discussed the idea of her moving up the hill and she was very eager and willing.
We went through the application process together and I stayed with her for an interview with the Truckee apartment complex too. I’m happy to report that we received news last week that she was approved for her own apartment! Our friends at AMI Housing are helping Beatrice with her initial rental deposit and first month’s rent and she just received the keys this past Sunday.
In the days ahead, Beatrice will have a home again. We are beyond excited for Beatrice, but countless more in our care need help and right now, if you can give even a dollar, you can help us create impact. Now through Dec. 14, two families are matching all donations to Hospitality House, up to $30,000. This means a $5 donation automatically becomes $10 and helps twice as many people receive food and nourishment. Give now or learn more at hhshelter.org.
Right around the corner is Night of Giving on Dec. 15, our annual musical benefit to help those without a home. Tickets are on sale now! Get yours now and save money at the door: https://nightofgiving.rsvpify.com/. If you’d like to help us ensure Night of Giving is a big success, we are still looking for more volunteers. Learn more about opportunities by calling 530-615-0852 or email info@hhshelter.org. A big thank you to Telestream and The Union for sponsoring Night of Giving again this year!
A special thanks also to our partners for providing ongoing food and/or financial support: SPD Markets, BriarPatch Food Co-op, Telestream, Interfaith Food Ministry, the Bishop Store (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Nevada City) and Food Bank of Nevada County. To everyone who donated our most needed items last week, thank you as well!
Now down to the nitty gritty needs of the week:
Twin-size blankets
New pillows (we are unable to accept used)
Ponchos
Men’s shoes, sizes 10-14
Women’s shoes, sizes 8-10
DONATION HOURS: To streamline our donation process, donations are no longer being accepted at our shelter (unless it’s food). Please drop off items from our needs list on Tuesday or Thursday, 830am – 5pm at our admin office, located at 488 Crown Point Circle, Suite 100, Grass Valley, Ca 95945 (admin is closed weekends and all major holidays). We greatly appreciate the community’s help at such times of uncertainty. In the words of Utah Phillips, “If we all stick together, we’ll get what we need.” Thank you!