A place to call home: True North provides permanent housing during the COVID-19 pandemic
Since the coronavirus pandemic began, True North Housing Alliance and Safe Space Winter Shelter have worked together to place 147 people into local motels through Project Roomkey, a state program.
We've provided wraparound case management and essential services to help participants move forward.
And it is working. So far, a total of 19 formerly homeless individuals have a place to call home.
These individuals are our Butte County community’s most vulnerable and at risk: 65 and older and/or with chronic health conditions.
This is Thomas’ story.
Thomas smiles outside of his new home.
As Thomas sat on the front porch of his new home in Chico, he thought about how comfortable and safe he felt.
Thomas used to be homeless. The danger of living on the streets is something he knows intimately. He is 54 and has COPD and emphysema. He has to use supplemental oxygen and oxygen therapy treatments to survive.
"If I was homeless, I'd be flippin’ dead. There's no guessing," he said.
Thomas first came to the Torres Community Shelter, a program of True North Housing Alliance, more than a year and a half ago, after losing his job and then his apartment. True North helped Thomas get settled into a local motel room early last month after identifying that he’d be an ideal program participant for Project Roomkey.
Then, True North secured a new home through its master lease program, in which the organization partners with local landlords and property managers to house people.
Thomas recently moved in. Having a place to call home is significant for his physical and mental health, he said, especially during the pandemic.
"What's going on, if I catch it, there's no coming back," he said. “Being told I got a spot here was big time.”
Thomas shares his new home with three other Project Roomkey participants, including his fiance. They also moved from the Torres Shelter to a motel room and now into housing. All will continue to receive wraparound case management and services that will help them continue moving forward in their lives.
For Thomas, his new home marks another big step forward in his journey from the streets to stability.
“I do appreciate it,” Thomas said. “I figure, save enough money and in a year, with True North’s help and recommendation, me and my fiance can get a place of our own.”
Help Us Make A Difference!
To support True North’s housing programs and help people like Thomas find a place to call home, please consider making a donation today.
If you’re a landlord or property manager interested in partnering with True North, please give us a call at (530) 891-9048. You also can find out more about our master lease program here.