Ted Nordquist
President,
Homeless Action Sonoma
Homeless Action Sonoma Announces
New Executive Leadership
Sonoma- February 9, 2024
Annie Falandes has stepped down as President of Homeless Action Sonoma (HAS) after founding the nonprofit organization and serving as its chief executive for 4 years.
Board Chair James Whittaker said “Annie has been an inspirational leader working on behalf of individuals experiencing homelessness in the community. She’s been an innovator bringing new and visionary solutions to this challenge.”
Under her leadership HAS accomplished a great deal, including purchase of a property on Sonoma Highway, and the creation of the Home and Safe Village of tiny homes where more than 20 individuals have roofs over their heads for the first time in years. Annie has also been instrumental in transitioning many clients into permanent supportive housing. She collaborated with local nonprofits to develop other wrap-around services and programs that are needed by the homeless. These include providing physical and mental health care to improve wellness and help clients on the path to self-sufficiency.
The popular Sunday dinner program that brought the housed and unhoused together began in her backyard, and continues to take place at our village each week.
For these accomplishments and Annie’s tireless work the Board of HAS is eternally grateful.
The Board has elected Ted Nordquist, PhD as the organization’s new President. Ted has previously served as the Vice President of HAS, the Chairperson of the Board, Program Developer, and the Chair of the Planning and Programs Committee. Locals may have met and talked with Ted at the Tuesday Night Farmers Market in Sonoma Plaza. He will be there again this summer should you have questions or wish to volunteer your time. Potential volunteers may also email the new HAS Director of Operations Marie Koller at [email protected]. Donations are gratefully accepted at the HAS Village—18820 Sonoma Highway, Sonoma, CA 95476.
James Whittaker will continue to serve as Board Chair, Barry Tanis is Treasurer, Constance Bennett is Secretary, and Petra Longley is Chair of the Marketing and Fundraising Committee.
HAS and the Sonoma Community Center will be hosting an exhibit called “Invisible Neighbors” featuring photographic portraits of and information about local homeless or recently homeless individuals. The exhibit opens March 7, 5:00 pm at the Community Center located at 276 E. Napa St., Sonoma, CA 95476.
More information about HAS is available on the website, www.hassonoma.org.
Article about Bob Krah and Marie Koller - June 17, 2021 in Sonoma Index Tribune
Annie Falandes editorial - May 31 2021 in Sonoma Index Tribune
https://www.sonomanews.com/article/opinion/valley-forum-homeless-action-sonoma-lays-out-plan/
Interview with Annie Falandes - March 7 2021 in Sonoma Valley Sun
https://sonomasun.com/2021/03/07/under-the-sun-annie-falandes-advocate-of-the-homeless/
HAS Board of Directors editorial - November 30, 2020 in Sonoma Index Tribune
https://www.sonomanews.com/article/opinion/valley-forum-lessening-homelessness-requires-action/