We never stop creating affordable housing options for folks in Chico.
Hello, to our wonderful supporters!
Here at CHAT, our vision is a society where everyone has access to stable housing they can actually afford. In fact, we believe housing is a human right. This February, while most of us are fortunate enough to have a home to stay protected from the cold and rain, CHAT is fundraising with the goal of being able to house an additional 80 homeless people in 2024. We know that reaching that number won't eradicate local homelessness. However, for the 80 people who enter CHAT housing, it will be absolutely life-changing. It will mean stability, safety, and yes, warmth. The campaign is called "Show Your Love For CHAT," and while we certainly "feel the love" when you donate, we're more excited about being the conduit for your outpouring of love for people in need, as well as your determination to make a difference in their lives. Indeed, this work is about helping others. Speaking of the fundraiser, we have big news about a new matching donation! Read more about it below, along with other CHAT news, updates and events.
Sincerely,
-Nicole Drummond, CHAT executive director
Double your donation!
Much appreciated: Thank you to everyone who helped kick off our "Show Your Love For CHAT" fundraiser, with special thanks to retired local physician Marcia Moore, whose generous $10,000 matching donation helped us reach $19,803 in the first week of the campaign. That means we've raised nearly 20 percent of our $100,000 target!
Big news: Starting tomorrow, for one week—Saturday, February 17, through Saturday, Feb. 24—another generous CHAT supporter will match every donation up to $10,000! We are extremely thankful for this matching opportunity.
CHAT's goal is to move 80 additional people out of homelessness in 2024, and we know that this is attainable, if we have enough resources. To that end, we're asking our amazing supporters to share this fundraiser with friends, loved ones and colleagues who want to make a difference in the community through safe, stable housing solutions.
Our campaign runs for two more weeks, so please share it with your networks and donate, if you're able. With your support, CHAT can change lives!
Shop for a cause
Anika Burke owner Anika Burke Rodriguez Kronmiller (middle) with happy customers.
If you love cute, trendy clothes, now is the time to head downtown to Anika Burke. This weekend, this great shop is holding a benefit fill-a-bag sale, with everything you can fit inside it selling for half off! The best part: All proceeds from the cost of the bag ($10) go to our friends at True North Housing Alliance, operators of the Torres Community Shelter.
The benefit runs Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Run, don't walk, to support this awesome cause while also shopping locally!
Celebrate diversity!
We are excited to attend this year's Victory in Unity celebration—co-sponsored by Chico State's Black Student Union, MLK Group and others—which will honor the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and reflect on the 60th Anniversary of the Civil Rights Act. It takes place on Sunday, Feb. 25.
The celebration begins at 1 p.m. in Wildcat Plaza with a rally that will feature cultural performances. Join CHAT at the event's resource fair, from 1:30-3 p.m., in Bell Memorial Union 203.
At 3 p.m., head to the BMU Auditorium to hear the guest speaker, Minister Charles Larry Coleman, second Vice President of NAACP Butte County 1029-B. There will be refreshments afterward.
Click here to see more Chico State Black History events.
Helpers needed
Our Pancakes For CHAT fundraiser is coming up on March 31 and we are looking for volunteers to help us with this amazing, family-friendly event at the CARD Center Rose Garden.
This annual all-you-can-eat flapjacks feast includes an array of other delicious breakfast fare (think eggs, sausage, fruit), along with a lively egg hunt for kids. In addition, the Easter Bunny will be available for photos.
Here's what we need:
• Silent auction donations – new or gently used items that are desirable to a broad array of event-goers and have a value of roughly $25 or more. (Needed by March 15.)
• Dyed hard-boiled eggs – use your art skills to make a dozen or more eggs for the hunt.
• Be our bunny – don our rabbit costume and interact with little (and big?) kids.
Please contact Sheldon at sheldon.praiser@gmail.com if you have items to donate to the silent auction or would like to make eggs for the egg hunt.
We very much appreciate the strong support we receive from our community. See you next month!
Get ready to vote
Ready, set, vote: The League of Women Voters of Butte County is hosting a voter-registration drive next Thursday, February 22, at CHAT's office (125 Mission Ranch Blvd)! Join us from 2-4 p.m. to fill out your registration form, and get details about upcoming elections from the pros.
Important note: The last day to register to vote in the upcoming 2024 Presidential Primary Election is Feb. 20. Register online at https://registertovote.ca.gov/.
Watch us rock!
Local idols: The 2024 Community Lip Sync Challenge is just around the corner! Please come cheer for CHAT next Saturday, February 24, at The Big Room, as we bust a move in support of a great cause.
This is a benefit for the Music Therapy Impact Fund, which provides music therapy for many worthy populations, including teens/youth experiencing trauma and mental health challenges, as well as adults with brain injury.
The event includes a pre-show performance by popular local musician Max Minardi. Get your tickets here. We're excited to have fun while supporting a wonderful community partner!
As always, thank you for reading our email news. Please consider forwarding this email to share CHAT's vital work with friends, colleagues, and family members who may be interested in helping further local housing solutions.
