CHAT NEWS: Shop for CHAT, Supporter Spotlight, Divas through the decades

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

Greetings, to our wonderful supporters!

We're in another sweet spot with the weather, so I hope you're able to go out this weekend and enjoy the cool breeze and sunshine. We all know that the Chico heat is just around the corner. This is my last message to you as executive director of CHAT, and I want to again say how thankful I am for the almost three years I've spent in this role. It has been an honor working alongside so many people who are passionate about solving homelessness through affordable housing solutions. To those who have reached out to wish me well as I prepare to depart this amazing organization, thank you. We have a lot to share with you this week, including updates on what looks to be a fantastic benefit concert. So, read on for CHAT news and updates. 

Sincerely, 

-Nicole Drummond, CHAT executive director

Days left to donate

Shop for CHAT: If you have grocery shopping to do, please benefit CHAT by doing so at the Chico Natural Foods Co-op! Not only does Chico Natural have a great selection, including its wonderful produce, but the store also gives back to the community through its Roundup program. 

This month, the co-op chose Chico Housing Action Team as the beneficiary of its April Roundup. That means when anyone rounds their purchase to the nearest dollar, that little bit of change gets donated to CHAT. 

Thing is, it really adds up! So, jot down your list and head over to Chico Natural by the end of this month! 

All you have to do is ask your friendly checkout clerk to please "round up" your purchase. Chico Natural Foods is located at 818 Main St. 

Supporter spotlight

Helper extraordinaire: At Chico Housing Action Team, we are fortunate to have numerous Super Supporters. These are folks who go above and beyond with CHAT to better our community by supporting our initiatives that create affordable housing for homeless individuals.

One of them is the amazing Janet Brown. Last week, Janet gave a presentation about CHAT to enrollees of Chico State's Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. This is just one of the many ways Janet has spread the word about CHAT's important work over the years. 

But her volunteer efforts go well beyond giving talks. If there's a need, Janet dives in. For example, she donates home-cooked meals to the folks living at Everhart Village, the same people she hand-made special pillowcases for upon their move-in. 

In February, when we held our Show Love for CHAT fundraiser, Janet and her husband, Michael Abruzzo, gave several large donations to secure matching funds. They also regularly support our food program, making sure we have enough food for all of our residents.

Suffice to say, CHAT is exceedingly fortunate to have Janet as a dedicated cheerleader and volunteer. She's the epitome of a Super Supporter, and we appreciate her so much!

Must-see (live) music!

Get your tickets! CHAT cordially invites you to hear some of your favorite tunes courtesy of an impressive lineup of local songstresses who'll be belting their hearts out during our upcoming Divas Through the Decades benefit concert. 

The details: Sixteen "divas" backed by Glenn Tucker and the Living Karaoke Band at the Meriam Park Barn on May 18. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. Sit back and enjoy the music or get out on the dance floor!

This evening event (6:30-10 p.m.) will be the talk of the town, so get your tickets sooner rather than later! Scan the QR code above or go to tinyurl.com/CHATCONCERT. 

Getting to know you

Helpers prepping: We greatly enjoyed hanging out with the folks who attended our Volunteer Meetup! Volunteers are such an integral part of our wraparound services, and this gathering is where we get them signed into the system that tracks their valuable hours helping CHAT. It's also where they learn about upcoming events and volunteer opportunities. 

Speaking of giving back, please note that our regularly scheduled Volunteer Orientation sessions are now held on the first Friday of each month. Next up: Friday, May 3, from 3-4:30 p.m., at our office (125 Mission Ranch Blvd.). To sign up or learn more about lending a hand to CHAT, click here. 

Thanks a bunch

Rounds of applause: Thank you to everyone who donated to our Little x Little fundraiser through Global Giving. 

Additional thanks to everyone who donated to our plastic tub drive—an effort to help keep our Furniture Warehouse organized. (Learn more about donating to the warehouse by clicking here.)

Even more thanks to Chico Community Church for donating Easter baskets to CHAT families. 

And finally, thank you to everyone who attended our annual Pancakes for CHAT event at the beautiful CARD Center Rose Garden. This includes the scores of volunteers who made this fundraiser possible. We appreciate you! 

Donate here!