My name is Geoff Johannsen, and I am the Housing Case Management Supervisor for Hospitality House. I oversee the Case Managers who support all Hospitality House clients who have been permanently housed. As we build upon our outreach and shelter services to also focus on developing affordable housing solutions, a new department has been established. The Housing Department manages the placement of clients into permanent housing and works to ensure their long-term success through case management services.
I’d like to share a story about a client who I’ll refer to as Denarius. After living on the ridge for years, 60-year-old Denarius was displaced out of concern for his health and safety, as he had no septic tank on his property. Angry and frustrated that he had to leave his home, Denarius arrived at the shelter guarded and feeling like the world was against him. His case manager connected Denarius with a therapist to help him address his frustrations and move from feeling helpless to taking back control of his life. Denarius then turned his attention to working with his Case Manager to apply for a Housing Choice Voucher (previously Section 8).
With time, and consistent support, Denarius started to let his guard down. He moved from the shelter to Sierra Guest Home, Hospitality House’s senior housing complex, where he prepared for living on his own in permanent housing. With each step forward toward his goals his confidence grew. He started opening up with other guests and even began offering support to others. The once guarded and angry man had softened into a compassionate member of the Hospitality House community. Yesterday, Denarius learned that he has been accepted to move into a one-bedroom apartment. He took the news emotionally, and with much gratitude for all the help he’s had along the way.
His case manager will stay connected with Denarius for as long as he needs, to ensure his success in his new home. If you’d like to help others like Denarius work their way back into permanent housing, please consider donating to Hospitality House today. As always, we remain grateful to everyone who supports our clients and guests; whether financially, by donating items on our wishlist, or by volunteering.
On that note, I’d like to thank everyone who donated on behalf of International Women’s Day to successfully meet our match of $10,000! Because of you, and our generous match donor, Lauren Maddux, Hospitality House can continue to serve the men, women and children who need our compassion and support the most.
I’d also like to thank the amazing volunteers lending a hand this week: Hilary Dart and Marna Duncan helped our Culinary Specialist, Brian, by grocery shopping for the shelter. Susanna Wilson and The Ramblers cook group were invaluable in the shelter kitchen, cooking, serving and cleaning up. The residents of Sierra Guest Home benefited from the spiritual support of Bill Blount. Thank you, all! If you’d like to volunteer, individually or with a group, we welcome you to email us at info@hhshelter.org or call (530) 615-0852.
Now down to the shelter’s wish list of the week:
- Twin-size blankets
- Sweatpants -men’s and women’s (all sizes)
- New pillows (we are unable to accept used)
- Men’s winter coats, jackets and hoodies
- Hand warmers
- Bottled water
DONATION HOURS AND DROPOFF LOCATION: Donations from our needs list above and all unexpired/store-bought foods are accepted at Utah’s Place on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:30am – 3:30pm and Saturdays from 10am – 2pm. Our shelter is located 1262 Sutton Way, Grass Valley, CA 95945. 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!