Helping the Homeless Community in Placer County

Gather Together: Helping The Homeless Community In Placer County

By Laura Petersen

In Placer County, 750 people live without homes, but one nonprofit organization envisions a community without houselessness. Since 2004, The Gathering Inn has compassionately reached out to countless homeless individuals, aiming to welcome new beginnings and transform lives. Originally, as a winteronly shelter, 40 individuals were served each night. Today, The Gathering Inn (TGI) is a multifaceted organization with multiple locations that serves over 250 individuals and families every day. TGI now offers 3 different programs spanning 10 locations with a big vision to end homelessness in Placer County. TGI team members and volunteers are dedicated to “reaching out and lifting up,” to help individuals achieve independence and ultimately, sustainable housing. TGI believes transformation happens within the context of community and healthy relationships. Guests are welcomed to The Gathering Inn as they begin their journey out of homlessness. The TGI team offers acceptance, security and encouragement. “We meet people where they are and walk alongside them, inspiring hope as they go from homelessness to housing,” says Darlene Cullivan, Senior Director of Development. When people realize they’ve reached “rock bottom” and no longer want to live on the streets, they’ll find emergency shelters in Roseville and Auburn. The agency provides case management, life skills classes, sobriety programs, housing and employment assistance, an on-site medical and dental clinic and mental health services, a clothing closet, laundry and shower services. The Gathering Inn provides permanent supportive housing to people with disabilities, older adults and veterans who cannot work to sustain housing. They’re also a safe place to rest and heal for folks recently discharged from the hospital.

“A lot of people living on the streets don’t know what it feels like to be safe. We want to show people they have value and can be an active participant in society. Daily, we see transformational impact. We see the power of connection,” says Darlene. The work is a collaborative effort with volunteers and supporters seen as heroes of the work. Compassionate companions can teach a class of any Darlene Cullivan and volunteers of Saint John's Episcopal type, from resume writing to Church in Roseville celebrate before providing TGI guests dinner. book clubs. The Gathering Inn has announced a proposal to operate a holistic service model with 200 beds called Campus of A rendering of the Campus of Hope Hope on a 16-acre parcel of land in an industrial, unincorporated area of Placer County. The campus will offer beds for people struggling with addiction, an atrisk sector of the homeless community that is not currently served. Sign up through our PatchWorks Program to volunteer for this inspiring program and make a difference in your community. Besides the good feelings that come from helping others, you’ll earn a shopping discount at BriarPatch, too. Program Director Nichole Nicole Fernandez welcomes a Learn more and sign up today! guest to new beginnings upon entering the life-changing program. briarpatch.coop/giving-back/ patchworks