We never stop creating affordable housing options for folks in Chico.
Greetings, to our wonderful supporters!
Happy Friday! I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday. This week and throughout the year, as CHAT moves people out of homelessness and into stable housing, we are incredibly thankful on so many fronts. Top of mind this week are our amazing volunteers, donors and community partners. CHAT has accomplished so much in Chico, but we couldn't have done it without your support. From our food distribution team to everyone who's worked tirelessly to make Everhart Village a reality, thank you! Speaking of which, I'm so excited to invite you to our upcoming Everhart Village Community Open House on Dec. 15! Please save the date for this long-awaited special occasion. Also: Next week (Nov. 28) is Giving Tuesday, another special day we hope you'll mark on your calendar. All of the funds CHAT receives on this amazing annual day of giving will be used to help house homeless people in our community. Read on to learn more about these events and other CHAT news!
-Nicole
Mark your calendar!
A day of giving: Each year, on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, people from all around the world do their part to make this planet we share a better place. This year, we are inviting the public to focus on lifting up our neighbors—and, by extension, our neighborhoods—by helping CHAT provide affordable housing for people who otherwise wouldn't have a home.
If you're reading this, we know that the homelessness crisis is an issue close to your heart. This Giving Tuesday, Nov. 28, please join us in furthering CHAT's vision of creating a community where everyone has access to safe, suitable housing they can afford.
Meet us at the village!
You're invited! After years of planning and hard work, CHAT's collaboration with Butte County Behavioral Health (BCBH) to build and operate a tiny house village serving homeless people with mental illness is coming to fruition! Before BCBH's clients move into their wonderful cabins at Everhart Village, we're holding a community open house.
Join us at the village (540 Cohasset Road) on Friday, Dec. 15, from 2-4:30 p.m., to check out this innovative shelter project.
Everhart Village is named after the late Dan Everhart, a veteran and champion for compassionate solutions to addressing local homelessness. The village will be home to 20 formerly homeless individuals living in their own cozy cabin. They will receive mental health treatment from BCBH, and case management and other programs and support from CHAT.
To learn more about Everhart Village, click here.
In the News
Filmmaker Gerard Ungerman (center) flanked by CHAT co-founders Sheldon Praiser and Bob Trausch.
Ten years in 80 minutes: Thanks to everyone who came to the first screening of Respectful Revolution's documentary on CHAT at the Pageant Theater. The hour-and-20-minute film, titled CHAT—An Incredible First Ten Years, captures our incredible journey over the past decade, from an all-volunteer group operating an emergency cold-weather shelter to a powerhouse nonprofit that today houses hundreds of formerly homeless individuals.
In case you missed it, KRCR did a story about the documentary! Reporter Hannah Gutierrez chatted with Executive Director Nicole Drummond about the film, including plans for future screenings. (Click here to read the story.) That means, if you missed the premiere, you'll have additional opportunities to watch it and support CHAT! Stay tuned for details ...
Cover-worthy:
CHAT's Amber Benedict (left) and Nicole Drummond (photos courtesy of CSUC).
More ink on CHAT: We were thrilled to be featured in the cover story of Chico Statements, Chico State's magazine. The article focuses on the university's Basic Needs Project and its efforts to combat student homelessness, including through a partnership with CHAT, which provides housing and case management to numerous college students via our Redwood Housing program.
As CHAT Executive Director Nicole Drummond notes, the students are set up for success by being supported until they complete their degrees."The entire time they're in the program, we are helping them to graduate and transition successfully."
If you're not a graduate of CSUC, you may not have seen a hard copy of the fall issue. But never fear, you can read it online. Click here to check it out.
Fall fun!
Getting crafty: CHAT staff and families in our HUSH (Hands Up Supportive Housing) program had a great time at our Harvest Celebration! This autumnal fete was all about crafts, games and good food.
At CHAT, our programs involve more than simply housing. Providing support by creating community is a key component. Thanks to everyone who made this event a success!
It takes a village
Help fill bellies: CHAT is searching for kind-hearted souls and organizations willing to provide one prepared meal a month to the residents of Everhart Village. This is a great volunteer opportunity for professional chefs and home cooks alike.
If you enjoy feeding people and want to make a difference in our community, now is a great time to begin volunteering with CHAT. As noted above, Everhart Village is opening in the coming weeks, and CHAT needs support from the community to keep it running smoothly.
For more info, contact Housing Support Coordinator Jess Hiller at Jess@chicohousingactionteam.net. And stay tuned for additional volunteer opportunities!
Volunteer shout out
Dynamic duo: We're so grateful for the incredible team of dedicated volunteers at our furniture warehouse! They make a difference every day, working behind the scenes to turn empty spaces into warm homes. Big shout out to Rex and Vic!
CHAT's furniture warehouse supports residents by lessening the burden of transitioning into housing.
We deeply appreciate the generosity of individuals who donate items to support our mission of providing housing solutions. To learn more about the types of furniture and housewares CHAT accepts, click here.
As always, thank you for reading our email news, and thank you for supporting local, affordable housing solutions!
