We never stop creating affordable housing options for folks in Chico.
Greetings, to our wonderful supporters!
Here at CHAT, it is indeed a "happy Friday." That's in large part because we are so thrilled to have moved in six people to Everhart Village! As our supporters are aware, this was a long time coming. Nevertheless, the reality of an operational program is here, and we are excited about the journey ahead for each and every villager. We truly believe that everyone is worthy of safe and stable housing, and Everhart Village fills a massive void for people with mental health diagnoses, folks who haven't been able to successfully access help elsewhere. It goes without saying that it took a village to create Everhart Village. So, to everyone who contributed to its build-out, please know you are greatly appreciated! For more details on the village, as well as updates on our fundraiser and other news, read on!
-Nicole Drummond, CHAT executive director
Up and running
CHAT Social Services Director Amber Benedict shows off an Everhart Village cabin.
Changing lives: CHAT staff have been getting to know the first of the villagers to move into Everhart Village. Not surprisingly, all have compelling and varied stories about their life experience, including how they became homeless.
It is a privilege to help them get settled in and gain access to the basic human needs they've been lacking, in some case for many years. In fact, one of the villagers had lived on the streets for 16 consecutive years. Suffice to say, moving into Everhart Village has brought great relief.
Case in point: Earlier this week, one of the villagers told us that he couldn't wait to hear the sound of rain from inside of his warm, safe cabin. That's quite the change from living on the streets through such conditions. He also said he was excited that his dog finally has a safe place to run and play off-leash.
We are heartened by stories like this, and are looking forward sharing more of them as the village move-ins continue.
Our heroes
Helping hands: We want to give a big shout out to Murdock's Moving & Storage for their recent efforts volunteering to move in CHAT residents.
Not only did the folks at Murdock's treat our residents' belongings with care, but they also showed patience, grace, and kindness to everyone involved in the effort. CHAT sincerely appreciates community partners that help CHAT get people into stable, affordable housing, and Murdock's deserves a big round of applause. Click here to learn about this excellent local company.
Dance fever
The Mad Chatters pose just before going on stage at the Sierra Nevada Big Room.
Bustin' moves: Thank you to everyone who supported CHAT during the 2024 Community Lip Sync Challenge! Our team raised over $1,000 for the Music Therapy Impact Fund, which provides music therapy for adults with brain injury, as well as teens/youth experiencing trauma and mental health challenges. Thank you to Golden Valley Bank for sponsoring us to participate in this event.
And, of course, congrats to the reigning champions, Enloe Health and Hospice, who once again rocked the stage and took home top honors as the largest fundraiser, with more than $6,000 donated. All told, the participating teams raised more than $15,000 for this worthy cause.
To check out CHAT's performance, click here.
Matching continues!
Every donation helps! Our Show Your Love For CHAT campaign has thus far raised $31,273.01! That means we're about a third of the way to reaching our $100,000 fundraising target.
Great news: Our donation match has been extended until Thursday, March 7! Through that date, every contribution from our supporters (up to $10,000) will be doubled! So, show a little more love to CHAT this month to help us reach our goal.
Speaking of little, every little donation helps. So, turn $5 into $10, or $25 into $50, or $50 into $100. Everything will go toward providing homeless folks with affordable, local housing and supportive services.
Thank you to everyone who has donated thus far. With your support, CHAT can change lives!
Save the date!
Our annual Pancakes For CHAT fundraiser is just around the corner—on March 31! Click here (or on the QR code below) to purchase your tickets, and come prepared to feast on all-you-can-eat flapjacks.
This fun, family-friendly event at the CARD Center Rose Garden is not to be missed. In addition to chowing down on yummy breakfast fare—including scrambled eggs, sausage, fruit—you'll be able to snap a picture with the Easter Bunny! Plus, there will be an egg hunt for the kiddos!
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.
