Our Mission
At True North Housing Alliance, we meet people where they are on their path to making a better life for themselves. We offer a spectrum of services that move people forward and out of homelessness in Butte County with compassion, dignity and accountability. Those services include:
We are a solution-driven organization, working to transform people today by providing them with tools for tomorrow. Transformational services begin with True North!
WATCH: About Us Video
Why We Are Here
There is a growing need for comprehensive services that successfully move people off the street and into safe, stable housing.
Throughout the country, an estimated 500,000 people are experiencing homelessness on any given night—fully a quarter in California and just over 1,150 across Butte County—nearly 900 (or 77%) in Chico alone.
Butte County has experienced catastrophic wildfires for several years that have traumatized our community and eradicated housing. Many people experiencing homelessness in our community now are those who have been burned out of their homes.
Our housing vacancy rate is just 1%, making accessing and securing any housing incredibly difficult for the folks we serve.
More seniors are experiencing homelessness, and this number is only projected to increase.
This is why we are here: Our community needs us.
When you join our cause, whether it’s through volunteering, becoming a monthly donor, or coming to our events, you join a dedicated, passionate team that has been successfully sheltering and housing people for 27 years. You create a lasting, positive impact for our community.
Our Impact
At True North Housing Alliance, we are paving a clear path to permanent housing for all.
In 2024, we served over 1,230 people in need and provided nearly 200 people with permanent housing. Though that is a new record for us, we cannot stop there because the community need is so great.
That is why we are embarking on a project that will be one of a kind in Butte County. The Howard Slater Navigation Center will help break the cycle of homelessness in our community by serving an estimated 90% of Butte County's unhoused population.
Join us in this effort that will help us change lives, empower our community, and revolutionize access to permanent housing for those experiencing homelessness!
“I’d like to recommend True North Housing Alliance to anybody in need. They bend over backwards for you and they’re full of love and they want to get us housed.”
“Thank you. You guys have helped me change my life.”
Upcoming Events
Cycling for Shelter
Avid cyclist Paul Kirk is embarking on the first half of a transcontinental bike ride for a cause--ultimately cycling approximately 4,500 miles across America on a route starting in Oregon and ending in Maine.
This year he departs on May 29th to ride from Florence, Oregon, to the Badlands of South Dakota--approximately 2,300 miles--and is raising money for our programs while going on a bucket-list trip he's wanted to make for 49 years.
Paul, a retired teacher and botanist/conservation biologist, was there for our grand opening of our Torres Shelter in 2003, and is passionate about our mission.
"There's a history here at True North Housing Alliance of grassroots efforts to better the lives of people going through hardship. I wanted to do something that addresses the basic human need for shelter. This is a need in our community." - Paul Kirk
Any contribution not only helps cheer on Paul during this epic adventure, but goes directly to our programs that shelter and house people in need in Butte County!
Forever in Our Hearts
Howard Slater Memorial Fund
Last year, we lost a dear, longtime friend, Howard Slater.
Howard and his family have been tremendous supporters of our organization since we were founded 27 years ago, helping to construct our Torres Community Shelter that serves over 100 guests per night, 24/7, 365 days a year. He was one of our biggest fans, who truly loved our shelter and cared about our work.
In honor of Howard's love for his community and for the Torres Shelter, his family launched the Howard Slater Memorial Fund at the North Valley Community Foundation, which will benefit the Torres Shelter. We are deeply touched by this.
You can donate in his memory online and help continue his legacy of giving and making a difference.
The world is a better place because of Howard, whose legacy and impact will live on for generations!
Get Involved
There are many ways you can participate in our organization’s important work. We are so grateful for the generosity of our volunteers and supporters in both time and resources!
Volunteer
From assisting our staff with daily living services to being a meal provider or special events volunteer, there are many ways to make a difference in our community!
Chico State students give back by volunteering at True North
Donate
Join our cause and help move people forward and out of homelessness, with compassion, dignity and accountability. We couldn’t do this without you!
Tri Counties Bank makes a difference by donating to True North