CHAT NEWS: Chico Spring Jam, Everhart update, Round up in April

We never stop creating affordable housing options for folks in Chico.

Dear CHAT supporter,

It is with mixed emotions that I write to inform you of my upcoming departure from CHAT after nearly three years of dedicated service to the mission and organization. 

I have accepted an exciting leadership position with a national nonprofit developing new programs to support families across multiple states, starting in May. It has been an incredible journey working with you to advance CHAT's mission and the overall health of our community. CHAT has transformed into a more mature and professional entity that is integrated deeply into our local community to serve the most vulnerable populations. 

Service to society has always been the guiding principle of my life, and while my role at CHAT may be coming to an end, my commitment to this cause remains unwavering. I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of this amazing work. 

Indeed, I am inspired by the dedication of CHAT supporters to create positive change in our world. In fact, engaging with so many remarkable individuals has been the highlight of my career. I will remain in Chico, so I hope to see many of you in the community.  

As some of you may know, I gave my notice on March 11. My last day at CHAT will be April 30. The organization is now seeking qualified candidates to fill this position on both an interim and permanent basis. Read more below, as well as other important CHAT news. 

Thank you once again for your support. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve alongside each of you. 

Sincerely, 

-Nicole Drummond, CHAT executive director

Get your tickets!

Earworms galore: Enjoy live music and support CHAT at the same time by attending Chico Spring Jam! This day-long event takes place from noon to 8 p.m. Saturday, April 27, at DeGarmo Park, features live tribute bands, food trucks, vendors, craft beer and wine, as well as fun activities for the whole family! 

You'll hear music from such artists as Heart, Bruce Springsteen, Huey Lewis, the Animals, Van Morrison, and the Traveling Willburys, among others. 

We will receive 25 percent of the general admission fee when our supporters mention CHAT at checkout. All you have to do is write CHATfundraiser in the discount code box when purchasing tickets (click here).

Thank you to Blue Sky Festivals and Events for partnering with CHAT! It'll be a super fun Saturday, and we hope to see you there! 

Everhart Update

Solutions afoot: We’re heartened to be working with fantastic partners at the county on forward progress that will allow CHAT to make full use of Everhart Village. The county has been very supportive of finding solutions to help this project reach its full potential. 

Meanwhile, CHAT has continued to move in villagers, including one who said, "I really like it here; everything is so comfortable and I'm happy." 

Stay tuned for more updates! 

Give a little, help a lot

Last day for match! CHAT is close to hitting our longtime goal of raising $200,000 through our partner Global Giving, and today is the last day to take advantage of the organization's matching funds through its Little x Little campaign. 

Through today (Friday, April 12), individual donations (up to $50) will receive a 50 percent match! That means if you donate $50, CHAT will receive $75! 

Please help us cross the finish line! Together, little by little, we can help end homelessness. Click here to donate! 

To those who've already donated, thank you! 

Don't forget to "round up"

Yummy food, worthy cause: Don't forget that Chico Natural Foods Co-op is donating all of its April "Round Up" funds to CHAT!

What does that mean? It means that everyone who shops locally at the co-op this month, and asks their cashier to please "round up," will have their purchase rounded up to the nearest dollar. Each contribution, whether it's 99 cents or 2 cents, will be donated to CHAT!  

Big thanks to the co-op for partnering with us on this excellent way to give to CHAT. We appreciate their help funding our efforts to better the community through sustainable, affordable housing solutions. Chico Natural Foods is located at 818 Main St. 

Another important reminder

Don't forget: Tomorrow, April 13, is the Chico Food Project's pickup day! So, to all of you who support this terrific cause, get those blue bags out on your porch in the morning.  

Remember, food donations via this program help sustain many CHAT residents. 

Butte County is a region historically plagued by food insecurity, so we can't stress enough the importance of CHAT's volunteer-run, food distribution program. It's a critical supportive service within CHAT's framework to provide our community with affordable housing. 

If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a Chico Food Project supporter, you can find more information here. The short version is that this nonprofit makes sharing food easy by coming right to your front door to pick up donations on the second Saturday of every other month. 

Save the date

Mark your calendar! Great music. Check. Dance floor. Check. The perfect spring ambience. Check. Delicious food and drinks. Check and check. 

Stay tuned for details on Songs Across the Generations, a CHAT benefit coming May 18 to the popular Meriam Park Barn. 

Executive director search

Chico Housing Action Team (CHAT), a leading 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Chico, Calif., seeks an Executive Director with the vision, experience, and skills needed to take the organization into its next stage of development.

CHAT partners with governmental agencies and local community partners to transition people out of homelessness and keep people housed. Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, CHAT’s Executive Director (ED) oversees and reports on the organization's results; prepares accurate and timely analyses that capture and communicate fundraising results, variances, and performance trends; and provides leadership to and manages the efforts of site staff to ensure appropriate support to all departments. The ED also manages the implementation of strategic plans and initiatives to achieve the organization's goals and objectives; acts as the primary external representative in the community; and ensures that CHAT’s work environment supports the learning, growth, and well-being of professional and volunteer team members. 

The position is open until filled. For more information, see the detailed job listing on the careers page at CHAT's website: www.chicohousingactionteam.net or email careers@chicohousingactionteam.net.

Donate here!