​General Update:  It has been three months since I have sent out newsletter.  To those of you who like getting them I am sorry I have not been able to send.  First, I got discouraged.  How often have I said “We are waiting for permits to move forward” I am sure some of you stopped believing we will ever get them.  And second, I sold my house on the east side, bought a condo on the west side:  Bought, Sold, Moved, all in one month.  Whee.  I have got to say that the cat and I are very happy in a much smaller space in a more bohemian neighborhood, walking distance to the square and around the corner from coffee shop and a bar!  What could be better.
Great News:  We finally have all the necessary permits from the county after paying $35K and waiting a really long time.  Once the contractor gives us his final numbers to do the work we will start grading the property!!  The amazing part is we just might be on property before Christmas as I promised (Just a year later).  The delay was actually good, as we have had time to get more of our other ducks in a row such as the operations side of things.  Today I met with a very interesting/helpful man who was the Project/Operations Manager for the Sunshine Village in Sebastopol.  He is willing to lend his expertise to us.  I also talked to the new team that does data compilation and entry for the COC, VI-SPDAT, HMIS, and probably other acronyms I don’t understand. We had a lovely meeting and they are excited that we are getting on property and are willing to help however they can.  We are working hard to form collaboratives with the other non-profits in the valley.  This is really exciting as we have come to realize that we can save money by sharing.  Everyone wins.
We have also hired BJ Bischoff who is a grant finder and writer extraordinaire!  We are so fortunate to have her added to our team. 
Client Information:   Presently we are working with 56 clients.  The young man with his grandfather’s truck has made real progress.  One, it is out of my yard, and two it runs, and three it is titled!!  Need to get it registered and to pass inspection.  His friends Joe and Simon are helping him and he is learning to budget to pay for this.  Another one of our clients is now housed and working.  Sad news is that there is a gang of young men on bicycles who have beaten up three members of the homeless community.  I think that the last time they were caught on camera as they beat up a homeless man in MacDonalds.  Don’t know yet:  standby.
Client Statistics:  Working with Andrew Henning, the homeless czar, we came up with some interesting statistics. 
Positive Stats
·         Of our 56 clients 47 have lived in Sonoma more then 20 years,
·         there is only one vet,
·         only 9 were willing to leave the Sonoma City Area for housing,
·         they all felt that food was not an issue in Sonoma.  These are the things we are doing well.
·         about half the population used the Emergency Room and the SVCHC for medical needs. 
·         About half had an EBT card and Medical. These are things we are working on.
Negative Stats
·         51 say they are not getting help for mental illness
·         45 are not getting help for disabilities
·         47 have other health issues they are not getting help for
·         44 have suffered or are suffering ongoing trauma
·         All clients stated that finances were the #1 cause for their homelessness.
Making a Difference:   Dr. Forstadt just called and will take a THIRD client through the Sonoma Professionals Share Program and the amazing Dr. Groff is on his FIFTH (or is it sixth?)  It is truly remarkable the good these dentists are doing and how grateful the clients are.  Noticed some really nice smiles at the BBQ on Sunday as well as these people able to chew which is big for health issues!! 
One of our board members had loaned us the money to get the Home and Safe Village up and running.  I can’t begin to express my gratitude.  We will start serious fundraising once we are on property to start to pay him back.
Meal Get Togethers:  The BBQ’s continue to be good.  I can’t wait until we are on property and can have them there.  That will be awesome!.  We have been meeting at Maxwell Park for the warm months as who wants to be indoors at 5 PM on a Sunday?  We give away a fair amount of clothes, Norcan and fentanyl test strips and food.  I continue to get donations, thank you, thank you, thank you.  I no longer have the big garage, I actually no longer have a garage at all so donations need to go to the new office for now.  Contact Valli to coordinate delivery. 707 280-2420.
General Information: 
·         I did a presentation at Cogir and it was wonderful to find how much talent is there and how many are willing to help.  I am excited to be tapping this great source of volunteers.  Thank you all. 
·         Valli is working on contacting all of you who have voiced an interest in doing volunteer work for HAS.  Hopefully she can get a good data base so that we can use all of you more efficiently as we move forward into this construction phase.
·         My life is 2-4 meetings a day.  They are about learning, fundraising, grant writing, and pushing my poor Project Manager, Steven Telleria to get things done!!  If there is a heaven he will go for not cursing me out on a daily basis.
In Closing:  We are so much closer and my optimism is coming back.  I need to thank my board for getting me through this hard time when I had lost my whole hearted belief and had to move all in the same month. It has been a very tough few months but I think we are through to the other side.  Lets hope it is a good side!  We will be having an open house once we are on property and I hope I see every one of you there.
Annie Falandes
Homeless Action Sonoma, Inc.
hassonoma.org
[email protected]
707 304-0502


Volunteer of the three months because she is so terrific.  Sierra Nadeau.  This young woman has to work for herself but finds time to put on a party for HAS, sell HAS to everyone she meets (and thats a lot) bring in more volunteers than the rest of us put together, do graphic design work for us, and every now and then dare to say  "Annie, do it this way."  That is the tip of the iceberg for what Sierra has done and we have invited her to do even more by putting her on our Board of Directors.  Welcome Sierra and THANK YOU!!

​The Dentists of Sonoma Professionals Share - A Salute!!


Can't begin to tell you how much it means to have the Sonoma Professionals Share Program.  It is working.  Today I would like to tell you about the dentists who participate.  They each signed up for one client and they have all either taken a second, third, (Dr. Groff I think is on #4) .  It is an amazing process and has worked wonders in so many ways.  Chronic tooth pain is excruciating!  An ugly mouth is debilitating.  Tooth disease is life threatening.  Our dentists have worked wonders.
1.  Shayla - A young beautiful woman with wisdom teeth infected and painful.  Terrified of getting them removed.  Dr. McMahon made it painless.  She now doesn't have to go to the emergency room every few months to get antibiotics to deal with the pain as there isn't any.
2.  Greg - A lovely man whose dentures got washed away in the flooded creek which he was camping nearby.  Dr. Groff made him new dentures.  He now has his smile back and can sing, which he loves to do.  He is an old song and dance man by profession.  Greg also has cancer and has been having chemo and radiation treatments.  He has lost a lot of weight.  He is so grateful to be able to eat solid foods with his new teeth.  He feels they have saved his life.  He also looks years younger which appeals to his vanity!!
3.  Maria - A young woman who has recently gotten a really good job.  She is trying to prove herself and works hard wanting to get her and her children housed.  Dr. Tom Halliday has been fixing her smile for which she is very grateful.  Feels it will help her be more professional looking at work and help her present well when looking for housing.  And yes, she is a young beautiful woman and enjoys looking pretty again.
5.  Christine - Thanks to Dr. Groff, Christine is getting her teeth replaced and infections cleaned up.  She was in pain and needed dental care.  Christine feels it will help her get a job as she will be able to present well.
6.  Chance - A young man who had mangled front teeth.  He now has a beautiful smile and self esteem, Thanks to Drs. Forstadt and Boynton.  He is studying to get his driver's licence, has his grandfather's truck he is restoring with help from Sonoma Professionals Share, he is working and thinking when he gets his licence and truck he will start his own landscaping business.  Wow.  AND, he now has a girlfriend!!!!
7.  Barbara - Sunday night Barbara came to me with her hand over her mouth and said "look"!  When she removed her hand she had a beautiful smile again.  She was almost crying as she told me how amazing it was not to be in such dental pain.  She had broken her leg, lost her job, and ended up homeless with chronic tooth pain.  She says now she can think about other things besides the pain and how ugly she was.  She is excited about getting her life together.
So, you get the idea.  The program works on many levels.  Tooth pain and infections are very dangerous, unhealthy, and so harmful to both body and soul.  This program has given these and others a step in a good direction.  They have a bit of hope, a bit of trust, and a bit of self-esteem returned.  I can't say enough good about the dentists who are participating and looking forward to other professionals to salute!!

Article in the Sonoma Index Tribune: 
https://www.sonomanews.com/article/news/local-dentists-fix-smiles-of-unhoused-residents/
​
Thank you,
Annie Falandes
Homeless Action Sonoma, Inc.
[email protected]
hassonoma.org
707 304-0502

May 2022 Homeless Action Sonoma Newsletter

What’s New:

●       County Requirements Huge Cost Increases:  If there is a time we could use a financial boost it is now.  We were ready to erect our small home village in January.  We had raised the project’s $800K cost from Grants and the Community. We were in the permitting process when things changed.  The County would not let us on the property without doing the entire grading of the property for both the temporary village and the permanent facility we were planning to build in the future.  This triggered Bay Area Stormwater Management Agencies Association (BASMAA) requirements, which means we had to grade for the 100 year flood.  Now it gets complicated.  To get a grading permit for BASSMA you need to have design, engineering, and architectural plans complete for the permanent facility as well as the temporary.  We hired a dozen experts and went to work.  We are working with the water company, PG&E, Caltrans, Sewage, and the fire department in order to install the infrastructure needed when grading the property.  We now need to build retaining walls, bioswale, fire hydrants, change the size of the water pipes and install a holding tank for sewage for an overflow in case of flooding.  It is daunting, interesting, and very expensive.  Our $800K project has gone to a $2.5 million dollar project.

These expenses were in our long term budget but not anticipated until we started the permanent facility.  We have completed and submitted our grant request to HomeKey (State Grant).  The grant request does include the above cost, but we don’t expect to hear if we will be awarded the grant until something in July. In the meantime we have spent most of the money we had acquired for the temporary shelter and are scraping by with daily donations.


●        On a Positive Note:  While all this is going on, we are still doing amazing operations work.  We are seeing hope and trust in the homeless community due to our programs.  With Community Support the homeless are building relationships and learning how to help themselves out of homelessness.  Just one example that I am very proud of is that we have an unprecedented number of long term drug and alcohol abusers asking for rehab.  I believe they have found hope.  Another lovely indication is that a team of homeless people volunteered to clear the property for us.  They worked for a week cutting trees and clearing brush, digging out trash, and hauling it all to the dump.  Altogether they took 12 full trucks to the dump.  They believe together we can succeed and want to help!  We saved about $75K by having the homeless community do the work versus hiring a contractor.


●       Making a Difference:   We have 3 caseworkers on staff serving 52 members of the Sonoma City Area homeless community.  That is a fourth of the total number, now on the road to success.  Think what we could do with a facility, proper staff, and a fully funded operations budget.  We are working in collaboration with many of the Sonoma Valley Nonprofits.


●       Working Together : We have joined with 14 other Nonprofits to receive a County Grant to address mental health.  We are in discussion with the City of Sonoma to receive funding from them.  We received a unanimous vote of support from the Sonoma Valley Community Advisory Commission.  We have held 3 neighborhood informational meetings and have received amazing support.  The Springs is a very generous and compassionate community.  Thank you.


●       Fund Raising :  I have attached our projected spending through November and as you can see we have quite a large deficit.  I am wide open to any fundraising suggestions.  Below are some ideas I have. If you can act on any of these items or are just willing to help with fundraising please contact  Valli Viera at [email protected] or call me 707 304-0502.
Wineries could commit the proceeds of one or more days of wine tasting to our project.


Hold one or more neighborhood yard sales with HAS as the beneficiary.


Everyone receiving this newsletter could send our Go Fund Me information (https://gofund.me/dd17f501) to all your friends and family telling them you support this mission. If everyone on this list brings in 100$  that is $30,000.  Wow.
 
In Closing:  Homeless Action Sonoma, Inc. has a 4 pillar approach:  Educate, Innovate, Integrate, Create.  We have proven the first pillars essential and successful.  Now we are anxious to Create a transitional facility to “end homelessness in the Sonoma City Area, make the movie, and franchise the concept.”  We have a filmmaker interested, and we have two sites interested in the concept already!
 
Annie Falandes
Homeless Action Sonoma, Inc.
hassonoma.org
[email protected]
707 304-0502

The Below projected balance sheet for the next eight months is attached to give a clear picture of what we are facing.
 

Volunteer of the month is Doug Loskot who edits and makes this newsletter attractive.  He also is my tech support when I have computer issues:  even when on vacation in Hawaii.  Thanks Doug!!


 

​April 2022 Homeless Action Sonoma Newsletter
What’s New:

·         Phase I Project Scope Expanded:  With the county grant money had come lots of new requirements.  We had planned to do a phased approach with phase 1 being clearing and leveling part of the property and put up the small houses.  Then Phase II grading the rest of the property and building the permanent building.  The County is requiring us to do an entire BASSMA grading for the entire project.  This involved hiring many professionals:  architects, structural engineers, water engineers, fire engineers, civil engineers, electrical engineers, an expeditor, a project manager, a contractor, a dry utilities engineer, a designer, and more.  We have done all that and have submitted all required requests for permits.  We are waiting for the county to issue the permits so we can actually start doing the work.  The County has assured us we are on a fast track for review.  The county requirements have caused Phase I to go from a $800K project to a $3M project.

·         The Good News:  We are presently working with 52 of the Sonoma City Area homeless.  We have three caseworkers doing really good work.  We have 4 clients in rehab or in the process of getting rehab, we have 3 more with dentist appointments, we have housed another 3.  Sunday dinners have increased to about 50 meals and friendships are being made.  A client needing chemo and radiation treatments is staying with his friend and we have arranged rides for him for his treatments.  To save money a crew of homeless volunteers are clearing the property for us.   Crew members told me, “it feels good to be part of the process.”  Sonoma Optometry has taken their first pro bono client.

·         Faces of Homeless Event:   We had a very successful  event, FACES of HOMELESS, at the Sonoma Community Center in collaboration with SOS, Human Rights Org, Homeless Action!, and SAVS. If you missed it stay tuned as it will be coming out on YouTube!!

·         Food Distribution:  In collaboration with Whole Foods we get food on Fridays and distribute to the homeless to get through the weekend.  We get food from the Redwood Empire Food Bank on Mondays to distribute to the marginally housed on Mondays.

·         Building Community:  We have submitted for an ARPA grant in collaboration with SVCHC, Hanna Boys Center, The Girls and Boys Club, SOS, Pets Lifeline, School District, La Luz, SCC, and Center 4 Wellbeing.  We have been forming relationships with all the nonprofits.  We are in talks with the SVJC trades program to get our clients into the trades programs there.  We presently have MOU’s with Homes4theHomeless, SAVS, Pets Lifeline, and working on more. We are doing a phone give away this week in collaboration with SOS.  We are building community.

·         Moving Forward:  We will have a Community Question and Answer event at La Luz on April 24th.  On April 27th we will be presenting to the Sonoma Valley Citizens Advisory Commission (SVCAC).   Mary Courtney who is putting on the Showcase House Project has named us one of the recipients of that fundraiser.  As soon as we are on property we have arranged for classes in our tent for AA, NA, Homeless Court, Job Readiness, Grief Counseling, Yoga, Risk Reduction, Financial Training, Medical Consultations, and will continue to ask clients what else they would like.  The village “Home and Safe” will run as a community with 2 site managers, and 3 case workers on staff  so someone will always be on property to help.

·         Documenting The Journey:  We have recently been contacted by a filmmaker Nico Chavez with OMA Creative, an Oakland-based production company who is interested in our story!

How Can You Help?

More Friends:    Come to Sunday dinner and make friends and dine with us.  Or volunteer to take a Sunday and cook!!  If you would like to volunteer to cook please Contact Ted Nordquist at [email protected].

Volunteers:  We have a need for many different types of volunteers such as fundraising, distributing brochures, recruiting Sonoma Professions to dedicate some of their time, someone to represent us at the COC meetings, and many more opportunities.  If you would like to volunteer to help contact Valli Viere at [email protected]

Donated Stuff:    We need condoms, tampons, men’s athletic shoes (size 9, 10, 11).  We need 22 pillow protective covers.  We need 20 of the colorful plastic Adirondack chairs for outside the shelters.

Rides:  We need volunteers to take clients to appointments.  Greg has at least 2 more weeks of chemo and radiation.  Others need rides as well for dentists, doctors, EBT cards, ID’s.  Contact Valli Viere at [email protected] if you can provide a ride to one of our clients.

Support our Neighbor:  Please stop by Baker and Cook and have coffee and breakfast and lunch.  They have been great neighbors and with construction upon them it will be trying times for their lovely patio space.  Let them know we sent you.

Money:  This project has gone from a $800K project to a $3 million dollar project with the need to do all the grading and utilities for the permanent site before we can install the temporary village.  All good in the end, as this was money that we would have had to spend for the permanent structure, but crunch time right now.  We have a Go Fund Me campaign going on:  Please send to your Facebook or mailing list this link Gofund.me/a5a910ba. Or of course you can donate directly to Homeless Action Sonoma, Inc. P.O. Box 482, Sonoma, Ca.  95476.
​
Volunteer of the Month: Our volunteer of the month is Rabbi Steve Finley.  He has been coming by on Sundays to chat and make friends.  Last week he became the dishwasher.  Thank you Rabbi Steve!!!

The Director’s Thoughts:  It has been a daunting month for us in some ways and in the operations area we have excelled.  The short of it is we have finally gotten all the permits needed into the County.  There were many roadblocks to overcome, some created by my naivety and others by not having the right team on board from the get go.  I feel really bad as I had promised shelter by January, and couldn’t wrap my head around why it was so difficult.  I went to visit the Sebastopol project that is up and running and was amazed.  They are presently sheltering 28 individuals happily, without city water, electricity, sprinklers, fire hydrants, plumbed bathrooms, showers, grading, or ADA compliance.  The cost was less than our original proposal so I learned it can be done and I was not so far off mark.  Why can it be done in Sebastopol and not in Sonoma?  We are dealing with the Sonoma City Area with the County as our entity and the rules are different.  Pending any more unforeseen issues we are hopeful.  I refuse to set a date AGAIN as I have been wrong so many months in the past.

We are making a difference:  One of our, now working homeless, offered $5K to help out, now that he has a good job.  We have trust and are building a team and more importantly building one community.  It is not easy.  We have had 4 deaths in the last 6 months in the homeless community.  Fentanyl is prevalent in everything and killing people.  We did a risk reduction class and now have Narcan and fentanyl test strips to help save lives.  Think how much better we could do with a facility!

In Closing:  Thanks to our loyal supporters, volunteers, professionals who have signed up, donors, and to the homeless who have given us their trust.  We can’t do this without all of you.  Thank you for your continued support, together we can truly do this.
 
Annie Falandes
Homeless Action Sonoma, Inc.
hassonoma.org
[email protected]
707 304-0502

​March 2022 Homeless Action Sonoma Newsletter


What’s New. 1St:     Along with the county grant money comes some new oversite.  This is causing us to make major changes in our plans and schedule.  The county is requiring us to grade and prepare the property for the entire project versus our original plan to grade part of the property for the QuickHaven/NewLife small shelters. This involves hiring a civil engineer, fire, Caltrans, water department, and sewage to put in the infrastructure for the permanent facility as well as the small shelters. This includes retaining walls, drainage, trenching for water, sewage, fire hydrants, and power.  We have hired the required experts (structural engineer civil engineer, surveyor, architect, and dry utilities engineer),  but it will take at a least a month if not longer.  We have managed to keep the most vulnerable in hotels through February and are hoping the County will extend into March.  We have also hired an expeditor/project manager to get all the needed ducks in a row and submit for permitting ASAP.
2nd:    While we work to meet the county requirements we continue to move forward with operations.    We have two outreach people working with the clients and have hired a caseworker to get them enrolled in the HMIS Homeless Management Information System).  We are presently an Access Point entity for HMIS and we are doing the training to be entry point for CES (Comprehensive Site Access Training).  Being Access Points to these systems will help our clients get available government services, as well as being a big plus for future grants.  We also are scheduled to get training in risk reduction (avoiding and treating overdose) and Homeless Court. We are getting calls from new clients and have been able to get immediate help for them using available resources.
3rd:     We have formed a relationship with the local VFW’s.  The VFW will help our clients that are veterans get government help they deserve.   They are presently working with two veterans we have as clients.
4th:     On March 18th we will have a photo exhibit at the Community Center with a reception where I will speak!  Put it on your calendar and join us, it will be a good one.  (6-8 PM at Sonoma Community Center).
5th:     Sunday dinners are going well, we now have 3 guest chefs taking a Sunday a month.  We have been distributing hygiene packages which were donated and COVID home tests.  We have a steady supply of clothing which we also give out on Sundays.  The best is that we have a working relationship with 48 clients in the Sonoma City Area and are working hard to transition them even without a facility.  We have two staff, with life experience, doing amazing outreach work.  They have the trust and the pulse of the homeless community and have done much to create trust in our system.
6th:     We have put a woman, and her 6 year old son, fleeing domestic violence, in a safe house.  We have another young woman who has decided it is time for rehab and is going into a three month facility next week.    Chances truck is running, thanks to a volunteer who is helping him and Chance is studying to get his drivers permit.  We were able to share COVID test kits with La Luz.  We have a client with cancer housed in Santa Rosa while he gets chemo treatment.  We have three more dentists for our Sonoma Professionals Share Program and one doctor.  We have opened a relationship with SRJC (Santa Rosa Junior College) with the hope of enrolling clients in their trades program.  We have a team working with other nonprofits to access ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funding.  We have sent a client to Las Vegas to meet up with his brother.
7th:     We have met with Continuum of Care to contribute our information for a County Strategic Plan to End Homelessness.  We have met with Homes4Homeless to possibly get needed shower and bathroom facilities on property.  We have a committee formed to work with other nonprofits to get APRA funding for joint ventures to serve the homeless community. 
 
How Can You Help?
Volunteer :    We need more volunteers to distribute brochures, help with fundraising, identify potential grants, attend Sunday dinners and make friends.  Contact Valli Viere to sign up.  [email protected].
Professional Services:    We always need professionals i.e. doctors, dentists, barbers, etc  to volunteer services to at least one homeless person pro bono.  If you know a professional ask them if they are willing to help. We are in need of an arborist to help us with the trees on the property.  Contact Valli Viere to sign up.  [email protected]
Chefs:  Guest chefs for Sunday dinners at La Luz.  The more guest chefs we have the less each chef has to do.
Money:  There is always the need for financial help.  You matched and surpassed the $100K challenge grant by generously donating $126K giving us a total of $226K, however the added required engineering and contractor costs for the total grading of the property was an unexpected expense at this point in time.  We are also is seeing a rapid expansion of clients.  We are working hard on the Homekey Application (state grant) as we are anticipating the permanent facility to cost 8 million or more.  We are doing really good work for the community and feel closer than ever to ending homelessness in the Sonoma City Area.
A brief idea of where the operations money is being spent:
Clients:  a truck, emergency dental and medical, gas expenses, hotels, Sunday dinners, quick loans:  8K this month.
Salaries:  Administrator Assistant, Caseworker, 2 outreach workers  5K/month
Mis supplies:  office space, computer, supplies:  1400/this month.
We have no other fixed expenses – the rest is going to the construction process.
Donated time estimates
Board of Directors/Advisory Board hours:  800 hrs./month
Volunteer Hours:  80 hrs./month
Donations in Kind:  enough goods and services to keep clients in clothing, hygiene products, food, and hope.
Donor of the Month of March goes to Jill and Cowboy Kamahele for bringing food every Friday that they collect from Grocery Stores.  Thank you, it gets a lot of clients through the weekends.
 
 
In Closing:  Thanks to our loyal supporters, volunteers, professionals who, donors, and to the homeless who have given us their trust.  We can’t do this without any of you.  Thank you for your continued support, together we can truly do this.
 
Annie Falandes
Homeless Action Sonoma, Inc.
hassonoma.org
[email protected]
707 304-0502
Thought for this month.  Drugs, alcohol, disabilities, and/or mental illness does not cause homelessness.  They are often a result of homelessness.  Financial “Climate Change” causes homelessness.

January 2022 Homeless Action Sonoma Newsletter

WHAT’S NEW

1.  We received a $400K grant from Sonoma County.   The county requires HMIS reporting.  If you know how to do HMIS reporting and  would be willing to help with the reporting to the County please contact me.

2. The Cultural Studies are complete and permit applications filed, waiting for the county to review and give us accounting for permits.  Contractor is ready to start work as soon as we have permits.

3.  Quickhaven houses have been purchased, waiting for the site to be readied before assembling houses.  We also have a garage full of furniture to go into the house when they are assembled.

4.  Most of our clients are in hotel rooms thanks to the County, a real blessing with this cold and wet weather.

5.  Thanks to Dr. Groff we have two more clients with smiles restored.  It is a wonderful ego booster to have teeth again!

6.  We now have a relationship with the Redwood Food Bank, which allows us to shop there for our Sunday dinners.  This is saving us considerable money as the cost of dinner from the grocery store was coming to about $200/week.

7. We have reached an agreement with SAVS, another non profit that works with housing the homeless to have them help us with the wrap around services as well as mentoring us throughout this whole process.  Thank you Marion, Gergory, and Adrienne!!

Other Items
·         I had a wonderful talk with the Human Rights Commission of Sonoma County.  I am touched by the Proclamation that I received from them.  Wonderful to see young people involved in this group! Thank you Howard Sapper for your kind words.
·         I met with Nancy King of Pets Lifeline and talked about how we can work together to get the pets in the homeless community the care they need.
·         For all the turkey cookers, thank you.  It was a beautiful Christmas dinner.  We served 41 people, secret Santa Constance Grazzill make wishes to Santa come true, and the Democrats Club supplied the necessary socks and underwear that always rounded out my Christmas Presents growing up!!  5 turkeys were cooked to perfection and delivered so our crew only had to make all the sides. Thanks to Jill and Cowboy Kamahele we had lovely appetizers and desserts.  It was truly a community dinner with housed and homeless dining side by side!!
·         Met with the interfaith group and discussed homelessness and how as educators they can help us spread the word.  Thank you Rabbi Steve!

WHAT’S NEEDED


Outreach: We need volunteers to do outreach (deliver brochures).  Madeline Whittiker has been working tirelessly trekking them everywhere and she could use some help

Sunday Dinners: We can always use help in this area.  Chefs and servers are always welcomed.  I want to thank our guest chefs Beth Bierman, Pat Coleman and Rick Suerth, great chili and wonderful jambalaya.  They have signed on for one Sunday a month but that means we have at least 3 other Sundays to cover.

Trailer: Still need a trailer for the live in site manager.  Loan, rent, or buy????

Grant Writer: Need another grant writer.  Doug Fryday is working tirelessly on the daunting Homekey Grant application and does not have time to work on any other grants.

Silverware: We don’t like wasteful plastic.  Since our numbers on Sunday are increasing we need more silverware to serve them.

Auto Mechanic: Chance (one of our HAS clients) still needs someone to help him fix up his old truck.  Chance is a great kid and really wants to get his truck running (and I would like it out of my yard!)

MONEY: Projects like this always need money.  Although we had a successful fundraiser last month, we are about $200K short of what we need for the next few months. We had unexpected fees for permitting, appraisal, engineering, and now unforeseen salaries.  In order to utilize the Homekey Grant process we need to get the plans and preliminary permits for the transitional facility in the pipeline now which is expensive.

Open Positions 
We have 4 positions to fill:
1.      Case Manager.  Someone who is familiar with all the available services and has an understanding about the homeless population.
2.      Operations Manager.  Someone to be in charge of all the wrap around services that we will offer and be in line for the Executive Director position when we get the transitional facility open.
3.      Live on Site Manager.  We will provide a trailer home for them on site and they will be responsible for the day to day operations of the winter shelter.
4.      Site “Mother”:  We will also have an on site “mother” to work as the conduit between the clients and caseworker.

In Closing:  
Looks like I have my 2022 cut out for me.  I am grateful for the Board Of Directors, the Advisory Board, and for all the volunteers and people who have supported HAS in so many ways.
“I believe that we can so we will!!”  I got two favorite Christmas presents: one was a bracelet so inscribed and the second was a silver heart from a homeless person who told me I give hope!

Happy New Year, let's end homelessness!!

Annie Falandes

Homeless Action Sonoma, Inc.
hassonoma.org
[email protected]
707 304-0502




​

November Homeless Action Sonoma Newsletter

Wow, November is upon us and until a week ago winter felt stalled with no rain, then the skies opened up.

What’s New. 
First: THE BIG THING is that the County has unanimously voted to be our sponsoring entity for Homekey funding.  This could potentially fund our facility for the next 4 years.  Our grant writer is working around the clock to get our application in with lots of help from the state, County, and team. Does anyone have any experience with grant proposals?  If so let me know, it is a daunting job.
Second:  We have been working closely with the County to expedite the process for winter shelter.  MIG, Inc. from Berkeley has signed on to help us with outreach, planning and permitting, as well as working with Homekey.
Third:   We have reached an agreement with the property seller and should close escrow maybe tomorrow or the next day, how exciting!
Fourth:  We have a contract with Quick Haven Houses to start delivery as soon as the property is graded and fenced.  Can’t happen soon enough for the unhoused with winter weather upon us.

Other Items:

• We are doing outreach in the Springs community.  We have talked with MAC, the Springs Advisory Board, to let them know our plans, and will be the speaker at the December MAC meeting. 
• We have talked with FISH, and La Luz to discussed working together in the future.  La Luz is letting us use Booker Hall for our Sunday night dinners.  A nice warm inside place to continue our Sunday get togethers.  Everyone is welcome to check us out and have Sunday dinner.  5 PM – 6:30 PM.
• We are talking with Art Escape and other members of the Springs to agree on paint colors and design for the Quick Haven Houses to keep them in the style of the Springs.  We could use more input if you have thoughts and ideas on paint colors and design.
•  We are planning a Springs town hall type meeting to talk to all members of the community wanting to know what we are doing!
• We are talking with Sonoma Applied Village Services (SAVS)  about having them do the wrap around services for winter shelter in rented space behind Baker and Cook. 
• We now have an office over the Sebastiani Theatre and our first employee, Valli Viere, to keep me from going crazy.  She and the volunteer staff are there working like crazy and if you want to help you would be very welcome.  Our normal hours are 10 AM to 2 PM.
• We have a lovely team, that could use help, distributing brochures, doing outreach and arranging speaking engagements in both the Springs and Sonoma City community.
• We have a team that is putting together a community fundraiser.

Now For the BIG picture. 

• We raised $30K at the garage sale that has grown to $100 because of all the media exposure.  We raised another $50K through the contributions of 4 Family Foundations.  This $150K is enough to secure the property, get the final studies done, and give Quick Haven a deposit.  Hopefully, December 7th we will be awarded some money from a county grant to complete winter shelter.
• We need to raise another $500 to get the winter shelter completely set up and ready for move in.  To accomplish this is an impossible sounding task. Our team is researching local foundations and fundraiser options, as well as an ASK to all of you.  With everyone’s help I know we can reach this goal.  Again if you have experience in fundraising or just want to help contact me.

How can you Help Right Now?
Many people got washed out in the rains.  We always need warm socks.  We will need 18 single mattresses, pillows, and considering bunk beds  (sleep up and storage under or sleep under and storage up.)  We will be talking to the people who have signed up for the shelters and asking type furnishings they would like to have.  When I know I get this data I will put it out there.
Volunteer Services We Can Use.

• A plumber to help with problems with the space behind Baker and Cook.
• Someone with a wood chipper and the willingness to supervise at the site cleanup.
• Guest chefs at the Sunday dinners.
• Volunteers to help clean up on the cleanup day.
• Artists to paint the Quick Havens.
• People to come to Sunday dinners that are willing to share a meal and make friends (It is the only way we can know what our unhoused friends really need.)
• Someone to help a young man get his grandfather’s old pick up running and drivable, it does need a lot of work. There has got to be a classic truck lover out there.  (it is a 1960 something Chevy).

Finally but not last:
We will be having a ribbon cutting ceremony in the near future followed by a lot cleanup day involving the community.  We will need a lot of volunteers for the cleanup and trucks to make dump runs.  If this is to work, we will need to pull together.
​
Thank you all for your continued support.
Annie Falandes
Homeless Action Sonoma, Inc.
hassonoma.org
[email protected]
707 304-0502

Dear Friends,
I just got back from signing a contract to buy land for our facility.  It is a very exciting and scary times.  Working hard on a proposal to distribute with our fund raising package.  Still need a grant writer but have some feelers out for that.  Would love a pro bono one but can't be too fussy with the time limit.
Took a proposal writing class and with some help from my friends I will be able to make it a good one, to be used for fundraising.
Right now we have 10 days to raise 5K to secure the contract.  In 61 days we need to raise 25K for deposit on the property.  
​
TOTAL FINANCIAL COMMITTMENT FOR PHASE 1
Deposit 5K
escrow $500.
County application fee $1,500.
Site development $2,500.
Landscape design $4,500.
Conceptual design $6,500.
3D renderings $3,500.
Brochure $3,500.
Deposit in 61 days $25,000
Total in 3 months  $50,000.
Phase 2
Cost of winter shelters - yet to be negotiated
Cost of porta potty and mobile showers - yet to be determined
Cost of security - yet to be determined
Phase 3
Land purchased $965,000
Permits - yet to be determined
Fees for project manager, construction, - approximately 6 million.

(The final goal is to have a transitional facility, starting with single occupancy rooms, programs available, job training, counceling, etc.  When stable and working, clients will move into apartments to learn how to sustain an apartment, financial plan, with support services available.  When jobs meet market rate they will be able to move into the community.  Disabled and elderly will be given shelter and programs until able to move into Section 8, Shared Housing, other appropriate available housing with continued counseling.  This is all mirrored after the Homeward Bound program that has been successful in Novato for 22+ years  There will also be on site manager apartment, women shelter, and medical rehab.)

The first step is to use Quick Haven, erect 10 tiny houses for next winter shelter than break ground in the spring for the facility.  Four in the homeless community died this winter and I don't want to ever see that happen again- for lack of trying.

In six months we need to come up with a plan and monies to buy the property.  Whee.  Ideas, volunteers to help me?????
We need office space desperately.  Ideas????    
We are planning a fundraiser/yard sale on June 12th and 13th.  It will be at my house, 20018 St. Germain Ln.  Please donate at least one good item and tell everyone to bring their checkbooks.  I would like to raise the lions share of the Phase 1 costs at that time.  Believing it needs to be a community endeavor to success: this will be the litmus test.

Key Activities for the immediate future.
1.  Fund Raise
2.  Community Education - speaking engagements, radio time, table at Farmers Market.
3.  Build a team.  Please contact me if you have time to donate to this cause.  There is lots to do.
4.  Join forces with others.  We have been in contact with the County (Susan Gorin)  We are talking with the CoC, We are now trying to set up an meeting with SOS and The Mayor for the opportunity to gather community support and the expertise of a group that has been servicing the homeless for 15 years.
5.  June 12th and 13th yard sale/fundraiser.

My wrists are much better, at least I can type again. I cannot thank enough those of you who continue to give of your time: Jack and Marilyn Doss,  Jill and Cowboy Kamahele, Carol McLean,  Jon Leeb, Steve Wolfe, Sean Rodregues, Marion Weinreb, my Board of Directors who have worked tirelessly.  And so many more but I as usual am working against the clock, so if I left you out it is not intentional.

What we continue to do.  Sunday BBQ's.. 5PM, my house for now.  20018 St. Germain Ln.  Now things are lightened up hope to see more of you here.
We have two clients working on getting their drivers license.  We have one working on her GED  (Shayla has just gotten a job)  We have handled numerous paperwork issues, we have cared for two dental issues, we have been promoting the "Sonoma Share your Professionalism) campaign.  (we have gotten 2 dentists, a massage therapist, 5 councilors, 5 mentors, and 2 teachers (to help with GED and driving tests).  Need many more.  You can download the form from the website and sign up to donate your professional skills to a homeless person.
We have 11 people taking showers and doing laundry.  (towels came in just in the nick of time).
Those of you who have hired the homeless work force, bravo, they are very busy these days.  Lil Bit of Everything is the name.  (707 309-8539)
We have 6 clients working on being clean and sober.  It is proven to me that respect and follow up and including the homeless in the community really works.  Think what we could do with a facility.
I know these letters sound like it is all good.  I tend to focus on that.  We have had things not work, we have had people on the road to clean and sober yet fail again, we had 4 members of the homeless community die this winter.  But there has been enough success to prove to me that a community effort can change things.  Lets get together and make this happen.

Put June 12th and 13th on your calendar.  Call me with offers to help.  Need someone to cover the table at the Farmers Market??????
Need a Grant Writer?????  Need items for the yard sale????  Need BBQ help and money?????  Need jobs for the homeless???? Need an office so I can get organized and serve more of the homeless community.
Mostly we need you to say Yes, Lets End Homelessness In Sonoma.
Thank you,
Annie Falandes
HAS
[email protected]
707 304-0502
Annie FalandesWed, May 12, 1:58 PM (6 days ago)


to bcc: me








Dear Friends,
I just got back from signing a contract to buy land for our facility.  It is a very exciting and scary times.  Working hard on a proposal to distribute with our fund raising package.  Still need a grant writer but have some feelers out for that.  Would love a pro bono one but can't be too fussy with the time limit.
Took a proposal writing class and with some help from my friends I will be able to make it a good one, to be used for fundraising.
Right now we have 10 days to raise 5K to secure the contract.  In 61 days we need to raise 25K for deposit on the property.  
TOTAL FINANCIAL COMMITTMENT FOR PHASE 1
Deposit 5K
escrow $500.
County application fee $1,500.
Site development $2,500.
Landscape design $4,500.
Conceptual design $6,500.
3D renderings $3,500.
Brochure $3,500.
Deposit in 61 days $25,000
Total in 3 months  $50,000.
Phase 2
Cost of winter shelters - yet to be negotiated
Cost of porta potty and mobile showers - yet to be determined
Cost of security - yet to be determined
Phase 3
Land purchased $965,000
Permits - yet to be determined
Fees for project manager, construction, - approximately 6 million.

(The final goal is to have a transitional facility, starting with single occupancy rooms, programs available, job training, counceling, etc.  When stable and working, clients will move into apartments to learn how to sustain an apartment, financial plan, with support services available.  When jobs meet market rate they will be able to move into the community.  Disabled and elderly will be given shelter and programs until able to move into Section 8, Shared Housing, other appropriate available housing with continued counseling.  This is all mirrored after the Homeward Bound program that has been successful in Novato for 22+ years  There will also be on site manager apartment, women shelter, and medical rehab.)

The first step is to use Quick Haven, erect 10 tiny houses for next winter shelter than break ground in the spring for the facility.  Four in the homeless community died this winter and I don't want to ever see that happen again- for lack of trying.

In six months we need to come up with a plan and monies to buy the property.  Whee.  Ideas, volunteers to help me?????
We need office space desperately.  Ideas????    
We are planning a fundraiser/yard sale on June 12th and 13th.  It will be at my house, 20018 St. Germain Ln.  Please donate at least one good item and tell everyone to bring their checkbooks.  I would like to raise the lions share of the Phase 1 costs at that time.  Believing it needs to be a community endeavor to success: this will be the litmus test.

Key Activities for the immediate future.
1.  Fund Raise
2.  Community Education - speaking engagements, radio time, table at Farmers Market.
3.  Build a team.  Please contact me if you have time to donate to this cause.  There is lots to do.
4.  Join forces with others.  We have been in contact with the County (Susan Gorin)  We are talking with the CoC, We are now trying to set up an meeting with SOS and The Mayor for the opportunity to gather community support and the expertise of a group that has been servicing the homeless for 15 years.
5.  June 12th and 13th yard sale/fundraiser.

My wrists are much better, at least I can type again. I cannot thank enough those of you who continue to give of your time: Jack and Marilyn Doss,  Jill and Cowboy Kamahele, Carol McLean,  Jon Leeb, Steve Wolfe, Sean Rodregues, Marion Weinreb, my Board of Directors who have worked tirelessly.  And so many more but I as usual am working against the clock, so if I left you out it is not intentional.

What we continue to do.  Sunday BBQ's.. 5PM, my house for now.  20018 St. Germain Ln.  Now things are lightened up hope to see more of you here.
We have two clients working on getting their drivers license.  We have one working on her GED  (Shayla has just gotten a job)  We have handled numerous paperwork issues, we have cared for two dental issues, we have been promoting the "Sonoma Share your Professionalism) campaign.  (we have gotten 2 dentists, a massage therapist, 5 councilors, 5 mentors, and 2 teachers (to help with GED and driving tests).  Need many more.  You can download the form from the website and sign up to donate your professional skills to a homeless person.
We have 11 people taking showers and doing laundry.  (towels came in just in the nick of time).
Those of you who have hired the homeless work force, bravo, they are very busy these days.  Lil Bit of Everything is the name.  (707 309-8539)
We have 6 clients working on being clean and sober.  It is proven to me that respect and follow up and including the homeless in the community really works.  Think what we could do with a facility.
I know these letters sound like it is all good.  I tend to focus on that.  We have had things not work, we have had people on the road to clean and sober yet fail again, we had 4 members of the homeless community die this winter.  But there has been enough success to prove to me that a community effort can change things.  Lets get together and make this happen.

Put June 12th and 13th on your calendar.  Call me with offers to help.  Need someone to cover the table at the Farmers Market??????
Need a Grant Writer?????  Need items for the yard sale????  Need BBQ help and money?????  Need jobs for the homeless???? Need an office so I can get organized and serve more of the homeless community.
Mostly we need you to say Yes, Lets End Homelessness In Sonoma.
Thank you,
Annie Falandes
HAS
[email protected]
707 304-0502

​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
 
 
 

HAS February Newsletter  2021

Well January has passed and we still don’t have a winter shelter.  We worked hard with the Alliance Church but in the end it was appeasing the neighbors that shut us down. It is so difficult to learn that this town doesn’t value humans as much as they value dogs and cats.  Waiting is.  I am looking forward to being able to start the seminars again.  The hospital is down to the 84 year old for the vaccine!  Yeah!!
Many good things are happening.  The website, hassonoma.org is coming along.  We now have a donate page set up so we are ready if any of you want to donate your stimulus checks that you don’t need.
The BBQ’s are still going strong.  We are set up under my solar panels for bad weather days and have been serving hot soup and chili.  It is fun, and so good to see trust building.  Can always use help for those:  a desert, appetizers, and beverages are always needed.  My juicer broke down so I can’t be making the fresh juice that is loved every week.  Anyone have a juicer they are not wanting anymore??  The BBQs are on Sunday at 1PM these days.
Bob Khan is doing well with the furniture.  You can see some of the things he has finished and are for sale on the website.  I am planning  a HAS Benefit yard sale as soon as I can be sure of good weather.  My garage is full of his stuff, need to make room, and Bob would like to make some money!!
With winter and COVID “little bit of everything” is slow on work but Amber now has a truck to use and is able to take hauling jobs as well as her landscaping and housework.  They cleaned my yard and garage of all the stuff I no longer wanted and what a lovely feeling it is to get rid of stuff, and so easily!  Call her if you need lightening  707 309-8539.
The Be-friending is going well.  We have volunteers working with medical appointments, Ted is helping a young man study for his driver’s license, I have a young man needing help to get his GED, there is another young man who heard about Ted and wants to be next in line.  (I haven’t asked Ted yet but it is fun and I make awesome pancakes).  We had a young man with some legal issues which we have worked with him and got all that behind him.  He now has a drivers license, a car, three jobs, and a relationship with his daughter.  This has been a real community action.  He accepted the help of our life coach, therapy, and his mentor, now he wants to mentor!!
My kitchen is in desperate need of reconditioning.  There has been a young couple, Sam and Shayla, who come over about three times a week to make meals.  Sam has a job with Quick Haven but for now very part time.  I get them food from the foodbank where I work twice a week.  They have been coming to my home for a year now and cooking meals when they can’t get to The Grange for the free meals.  They are trying so hard to get out of homelessness and are clean and lovely.  Does anyone have a spare kitchen they could use?  A guest cottage or extra kitchen?  I will vouch for them and HAS insurance would cover any problems.  They need a place to keep their food and cook on those days.
Sam also needs a phone so he can communicate with Quick Haven.  Would anyone sponsor him for a phone?  Right now I get the work messages and have to go find him to deliver.  They are so close to success, and it is such a struggle when worried about food and phone and living in a tent.  Quick Haven should be up for full production in a few months and he would have job security and be able to take on his bills.  In a few months my kitchen will be usable again and I would take them back in a heartbeat.
Therapy is ongoing and “bless her heart”, one of our volunteer counselors has just asked for a third pro bono client!  She really likes working with the homeless and their very real problems.  She thanks me!!!!!  Other relationships are growing and I see changes.
The store is booming.  My garage has become well known for having what is needed, thanks to your generosity.  We got a slew of wonderful winter coats and raincoats that came in and went out.  We are set for now with toothbrushes and toothpaste, razors, and deodorant.  Can’t keep men’s socks and underwear in stock.  Also need men’s tennis shoes and boots.  Blue jeans also come and go quickly.  There is a woman who has contacted me saying she is opening a free store and I am hoping that we can come to an agreement that she takes it all over.  But, for now I am happy to have my garage store.  A lovely many from Bloomfield called and asked if we wanted furniture moving blankets.  I thought they would be great for the winter shelter as sleeping pads so he brought me 40 of them.  Unfortunately they are sitting in my garage but are slowly going out the door as they are very warm, washable, and great for tent lining and sleeping pads.
Barbara Lemme, after much work on her part has sealed a deal for insurance.  We are getting more official by the moment.
Although we haven’t given up on winter shelter it is time to refocus on the big picture of ending homelessness in Sonoma.  We are talking to Quick Haven a new company in Sonoma that makes easily assembled small shelters.  They have hired Sam a young homeless man to work on assembly.  Sam is so excited and when they get up and rolling he is looking forward to getting established.  He now wants to study with Ted to get his drivers license!!!  Hope is such a wonderful thing.  Quick Haven has found a site on 8th Street for their production.  Should be up and running soon.  They have put us on the list for early options so we need property to put them on to get our facility going. 
HB has found an architect to do pictures of our dream facility so we can get our sales package together.  Very excited about getting the package together so we can get it out to the community and build support.  It has been a busy and frustrating year but with COVID what else do we have to do?  Find property that is acceptable to the community, raise enough money to build the facility, keep the programs going, and still pounding the pavement looking for winter shelter.  
Good things have happened even though we did not get a shelter.  We have good communications with both Susan Gorin and Logan Harvey now.  They have both been supportive of our efforts.  Being the new kids on the block it has been difficult explaining why we are doing what we are doing, when there is SOS in the town.  They do wonderful things and feed lots of the hungry.  They get the people, who are willing, slots in shelters in Petaluma and Santa Rosa.  We believe that the sons and daughters of Sonoma who want to stay in their community are entitled to, and with a hand they can be productive members.  Educate, Integrate, Innovate, and Create.  Thinking outside the box!  
Next month we hope to have the “package” together to show you all.  We also hope to have the Share Program going.  It is on our website but needs to be sold door to door.  Any volunteers?  It is a program where we ask all professionals in town to provide for one client.  Hairdresser takes one client for a year, restaurants feed one client once in awhile (to be determined) for a year, lawyers, therapists, accountants, teachers…………………  Clients need services, but the push is to get the communities to know each other.  We are all human beings deserving of respect and love.  Without that respect and love between the members of one community no amount of money can end homelessness.  Still determined to be the poster child.  With cooperation everything is possible.  Please help.
Thank you,
Annie Falandes
HAS
[email protected]
707-304-0502​

Years End – Homeless Action Sonoma, Inc.  (HAS)
It has been a crazy year complicated by COVID.  We have had some failures and some successes.
Successes:

1.  Elizabeth was living in back of her truck at The Haven.  She is now housed in Santa Rosa working at The Frame Factory, doing really a good job.  She is saving to buy a better vehicle.  Her truck is called Frankenstein because it has so many parts from other trucks!
   
2. Carson – A Rocky road.  Was living on streets, drugs and alcohol, PTSD veteran of Bosnia War.
   

Found him a cubby hole to call home, started working with our life coach and therapist.  Got clean.  Got IHSS certified and an IHSS night job.  Place to stay, an income, and helping.  Got his driver’s license back, got a car (legally registered and insured)  reconnected with his daughter, got a day job, paying back child support, saving money and looking for an apartment.

1.  Amber was living in back of an old truck.  Harry Boon found and gave her a camper van.  One of her clients allows her to park on her property.  Got her own business going.  “A Little a Bit of Everything.”  She is working with a therapist, doing well.  She employs homeless, knows all that is going on in the homeless community and helps everyone.  She is clean and sober.  She needs a small pick up truck for her business.  She now has a savings account and hopes to be able to afford the truck next year.  Her biggest problem is she always can find someone worse off than she is and gives them her hard earned money.  But, gotta love her heart.  Harley, had his near death experience and is fully recovered.  We raised almost the entire $3700. Vet bill.  Thank You!!
   
2. Cliff and Chance- a father, son duo who are the happiest people I know.  They spend their days bicycling together, that is until they have gotten good jobs.  They have a old truck they have inherited from Cliffs father, which they have finally got running.  The back registration is high and the truck needs a lot of work.  I have been helping them with paperwork and getting a driver’s license.  In the meantime they need a place to park the truck.  Any ideas?
   
3. Sam has been working in my yard doing amazing art from things he finds.  If I can get him to stop “remaking” the sculptures I will be looking for a location for an art exhibit.  Amazing talent.  Any ideas???
   
4. Bob has been working hard on the furniture refinishing.  He is presently recanning 5 chairs.  He needs a sales person for the furniture as my garage is full.  Ideas????
   
5. The free store in my garage is doing very well.  Lots of happy shopping.  The donations have been great.  Warm jackets, socks, scarfs (the neon purple was a big hit)
   

Failures

1.  Hired a gal to set up a website which she did, all good:  BUT I am suppose to be able to finish it and maintain it.  I can’t seem to figure out how.  Anyone have time on hands with skills??
   
2. Sam and Shayla got jobs and with COVID issues, last hired first laid off.  Sam has been promised a job with QuickHaven after the first.  Shayla would like a dog walking or cooking position.  She is quite good at both.  She is clean and sober.
   

 Biggest failure is we have tried our darndest to work with SOS, the city, and the county about winter shelter.  SOS has moved the vulnerable to Los Gillicos and other county shelters in Petaluma and Santa Rosa.  There are ten people that I know who are working homeless who can’t leave Sonoma.  We are talking with a number of churches and businessmen trying to find a location to either allow them shelter or, put up tents or tuff sheds.  Why can’t the veterans hall be used?  Everyone I ask just says no.  Being the new kid on the block I can’t get any whys.  It is a no brainer to me.  Get a space, social distance tents inside this space, hire some of the working homeless to do the cleaning.  Bend, Oregon gets it – why doesn’t Sonoma?  These are not criminals.  They are a family of sorts, who are for each other, share what they have, and need a hand up from the rest of us in Sonoma.  This is their home, we are in the same tribe.
Now for a day in the life.
Ted Nordquist and I work at the Redwood Empire Food Bank and we bring back food for a few people like Amber, who have a home but not a car.  One evening I brought the boxes to her camper van,  and she yells “come on in I’m cooking”.  Gary was there, a homeless man who lives in his truck, an IHSS worker whose client died.  I joined him on the bench and we all got talking, food is smelling great:  Heather and Daniel arrive, squeeze in and without missing a beat Amber makes plates of food for everyone.  It was the most lovely dinner I’ve had in a long time.  Even squished and balancing plates on our knees.  The feeling of family, food being valued, conversation was real and the food eaten with gratitude.  It is not the size of your home:  it’s the size of your heart!
What we have and what we need.
We now have a P.O. Box 482
We have an unfinished website you can look at  hassonoma.org
We have a bank account.
We have applied for insurance.

We need winter shelter – once we have insurance we can get hotel vouchers and hand them out.  It is an expensive way to go but better than letting people freeze to death.  (although Jim told me if you stuff your clothes with newspaper is insulates pretty well.)  You can’t rent a room without either a credit card or insurance, so giving out cash is nice but when it doesn’t go for a room don’t assume they are doing drugs instead.
We need someone to finish and maintain the website.
Need men’s coats, boots, shoes, socks.   Sweatshirts, toothbrushes, shampoo, and handwarmers.
We need more mentors – the be-friend program is working well.  We have matched four with four so far.
Need someones to sell the “Share Services” program.  Form is on web site.  Need to ask all professionals in town if they would take one client – pro bono – for a year.  EX.  A barber – one client for haircuts for a year.  Restaurant – one person gets a meal once a week for a year.  One doctor, dentist, lawyer, etc.  To provide unattainable services to the needy and to form relationships.
Need office space in town.  We have outgrown my house.
Need a truck for Ambers business that employs homeless.
Need someone to sell Bobs furniture.
Need someone who knows how to put pictures of Bobs furniture on the website.
And, Yes, we need money.
Need you all to have a very lovely and safe holidays.
Annie Falandes
HAS​

​Dear Friends,
Wow, it has been quite a few last months.  We have made lots of progress towards the big picture.  We are now a full fledged 501c3 with a P.O/ Box, a website in progress, soon to be insured, with an awesome board of directors, a treasurer, a bank account, and many programs that are doing better than I could ever imagine.  Even with COVID precautions, we are moving forward.  I want to start by thanking everyone who have contributed to the cost of the BBQ's.  Thank you Katherine Couteaure, Deb Cambell, Harry Boon, Maria Abedesco, Anea Kamehele, Connie Bennett, and Jane Robb.  I was looking Sunday at the table and there were 10 homeless and 5 sheltered people all having a lovely time together and you would be hard put to tell who was who.  As it should be.  We went through 6 racks of BBQed ribs, potato salad, macaroni salad, green salad, chili, pitchers of juice, cream puffs and more.  The great part was that everyone participated, I was not feeding the homeless, we were all having a BBQ. We will do them in my yard as long as the weather holds and Covid reigns.  Would love a space with shelter to keep them going???  Ideas???

The store I have in my garage for the homeless to shop at is doing well.  Thanks to Pat Severson, Jill Kamehele, Connie Bennett, and Ted Nordquist.  Everyone loves to shop and really good stuff has come in.  We do need razors, deodorant,  shoes, and wash clothes.  And always socks.

The furniture refinishing is coming along great.  We now have 3 barstools, a dining room table with 6 chairs, a bench and two small benches, a very small chest, and soon 4 beautiful antique cane seated chairs.  We have sold 2 adirondack chairs, 2 bar stools, and a coffee table.  We will be putting the rest on nextdoor and our soon to be website.  It is lovely to have Bob (the furniture refinisher ) arrive and say "I'm going to work now."  He does lovely work and has a purpose and an income.  Hopefully he will soon be housed.

The BIG immediate problem right now is winter shelter.  There are about 20 people in this community that have no shelter at all.  They sleep outside, maybe under a bridge or in a doorway.  They are vulnerable to many things but for now the weather.  I can't seem to understand why a town as affluent as Sonoma cannot care for these few people.  Once we get insurance (hopefully by next week) we can try to get hotel rooms for them.  We would love a building, church, hall, to put tents in so everyone is socially distanced and has a private space.  There is a church in Bend Oregon that did just that for 40 homeless in just one day.  It is a matter of attitude.  If we continue to think of these members of our community as "other" or "criminals" it gives permission not to help them.  Now that I have befriended many I realize that they are human beings, just like me and no more dangerous than my own family.  Please find it in your heart to keep these 20 people from dying of exposure.  We need a space to either put up small homes, or heated tents, or a building big enough to house them or houses to put them in or hotel rooms,  or, or, or.  People tell me that it is the government's job.  I have talked with Susan Gorin who heads the task force for winter shelter for the county, so far no ideas but to move them to the shelters that exist which are not in Sonoma.  Our people don't want to leave Sonoma, it is their home, it is where their families are, it is where their jobs are, it is where they live. I have talked with Kathy King of Sonoma Overnight Services, and asked if they were doing anything and she told me, no, that they were letting Susan Gorin take over winter shelter.  I asked if we could work together to help our people in need of shelter and she said no.  I don't have her experience but I sure can;t let people freeze to death, so I am asking all of you to put on your thinking caps and help me find a solution.  Harry Boon is once again asking the churches to help.  I am working with QuickHaven, a small home company start-up in Sonoma but I don't think they will have houses available for this winter.  We are looking for property or a building to put tents in or on.  Empty stores, empty houses, we will take good care of them I promise.  What else????  Synergy works. Please send ideas.

We are having trouble getting speaking engagements.  We have a seminar all planned out to give and can't seem to get a venue.  The Vintage House says yes but keeps putting off the date.  Any other help getting speaking engagements???  As we have talked before it is very important to get out the information on why there are so many homeless, who they are, and what can be done besides warehousing them.
The plans for the facility keep getting fine tuned.  We are in need of property.  2 or 3 acres would be perfect.  We want to build a facility like Homeward Bound in Navato.  It is transitional housing that addresses each person's needs and develops a program to fit the individual.  They have a tremendous success rate of moving people from the street into conventional housing in less than 2 years.   Pretty awesome, and would be much easier here.  Our homeless are fewer and our resources are bigger.  Win, win. I will put our proposal on the website next week.

We now have a bank account, a P.O. Box # and a 501c3# so if you would like to donate we could sure use the money.  We need to find winter shelter, maintain a website, finance the facility, Harry Boon priced out heated tents and found it would cost about $200/night for two large heated tents, cots, porta potty, and utilities.  We could charge on a sliding scale/ person and it would be very doable if we only had property to put them on
We have also outgrown my living room and need an office space,  I have asked to share The Haven office space as the building is not being utilized for more than showers and laundry a few hours a day but I was told no.  Anyone have office space they would share?  
We now have 5 homeless with pro bono therapists.  We have four people "befriending" individuals.  That means having coffee, arranging medial, help getting benefits, transport to doctors appointments etc.  Really are some lovely relationships being formed.  The BBQ's, the furniture refinishing, and the jobs to get people working are booming.  There are more than 10 of our unsheltered now working at least part time, a lot of thanks to Amber Gill.  She has named her business "a little bit of everything", and advertises on Nextdoor.  That was a mobile home purchase that has really paid off.  Thanks HB.  
We would like to do a Christmas Meal.  Any ideas for a location?  A Barn, A tent, somewhere with a little protection from the weather, I am thinking it can't stay this lovely all winter!
Thank you all for the support, the clothes, the cakes, the volunteering to be-friend, every little bit helps.  

May you all have a wonderful Christmas,

Annie Falandes
HAS  Homeless Advocacy and Solutions.  (trying out new name, what do you think)
P.O. 482
Sonoma, Ca.  95476
[email protected]
707-304-0502

P.S.  Our Secretary Connie Barrett has been interviewing our homeless and writing up these interviews for publication.  They are sweet pictures into the lives of these people, humanizing the homeless.  Watch for them.