March Newsletter 2021 HAS
It is another month. So much has happened and so much to do. I want to start by thanking all of you who participated in the Yard Sale. It was a success. We raised 3K for HAS, got my garage cleaned out, Bob sold most of his furniture, Shayla sold both her paintings, Sam sold one sculpture than couldn’t part with the rest. That artists temperament!! The best part is there was a lot of people here that I got to tell about HAS and give out cards to and get their support. Yeah!! Also thank all of you who have bringing over blankets, sleeping bags, toiletries, and clothing. It is a revolving door in my garage and makes me happy to have needs met. Notably but not alone, Marilyn Doss has probably made 5 trips this last month!! Thanks. What is happening. Ted Nordquist has been tutoring Chance for his written driving test. He is scheduled to take the test on April 1st. Big step and yeah. Shayla is studying for her GED and is committed to so many hours a week. She has a tutor to help her when needed. She is good at Science and Social Studies but that pesky math is tough. Sam is working for Quick Haven and doing really well. They are looking for a warehouse in Sonoma, so far no luck. If anyone knows of one available please call Quick Haven or let me know. It would be lovely to have this company in Sonoma employing homeless to make shelters for the unsheltered. They are making a news clip next Tuesday and it will be pasted on the Quick Haven website. Sam will be interviewed for this piece. Now only does he now have a job but he will be in their advertising. I have been letting Sam and Shayla stay at my house for the last month and they are thriving. What a change when the PTSD abates and they get a good nights sleep. They are spoiling me. When I get up my tea is made in my favorite cup and the first words out of their mouths are “What can I do to help you today.” Shayla is a very good cook and keeps the house clean. She has also taken over the Sunday BBQS. Sam keeps making fabulous sculptures and takes care of the yard. Go Figure! What started out as a situation I was unsure of has turned into a joyful family. That said, they do need their own place. For now Sam is only working about 3 days a week until Quick Haven get the warehouse, so they can’t afford much more than $500/month. Anyone have a guest cottage or garage apartment that you would rent on an income based rate? As he makes more he could pay more and when Shayla gets a job they would be at market rate. Ted Nordquist has gotten a job so I am looking for another tutor for driving tests and GED’s. There are more people that are interested. Also need more befriends. If you go to the website the Share program form is now available. Hasssonoma.org. If you can share your professionalism with one person for a year it would be great. Fill out the form and send it to me [email protected] or 20018 St. Germain Ln. Sonoma and I will match you up with one person for a year (or if you want less time to try it out that can be arranged). You can put your own conditions on it for example if you have a coffee shop you could offer one coffee a day, week, or month to one person. It is all about integrating the community. Some of the unsheltered have never been in most of the shops and restaurants in town. I also need volunteers to walk around town and approach businesses about joining the Share program. I suspect with personal contact people would be more likely to say yes. We really need an attorney. So many stories of unsheltered being taken advantage of and it is beyond my abilities. I get my first vaccine today and am looking forward to being able to get out in the community in a few months. It would be so nice to have a meeting in person with everyone instead of these newsletters. Status: We are looking at a location on HWY 12 to build on. It is small but ready to go now, and we could do a scaled down complete facility. We are also looking at small city sites that we could put Quick Haven houses on with a communal bathroom and kitchen area to get people housed immediately. Will keep you informed. As the COVID rules lift we will see many homeless being returned to the streets, as well as the influx of new homeless as rent moratorium ends. We need to be ready. What we need: Tutors and befriending. Property to build on. Housing. Jobs. Need your gutters cleaned, yard cleaned, dirt or rocks moved, house cleaned, patio cemented, dog walked. We have unsheltered that can do all these things. And of course it is time to start building the building account. If you don’t need your stimulus check you can now donate online. Hassonoma.org. I will be posting our general proposal on the website soon. (Shayla is taking over our website maintenance) Thank you all for reading my letters, Annie Falandes HAS hasssonoma.org [email protected] 707-304-0502
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