HomeFirst

On Wednesday, Mayor Mahan's team and the Willow Glen Neighborhood Association visited Rue Ferrari, one of HomeFirst's EIHs. During the tour, they met with our Chief Program Officer, Director of Interim Housing, and Rue Ferrari’s Program Manager. We discussed HomeFirst’s guiding principles, future site plans, and the needs and goals of our participants. The group got to see the free laundry room, dog run, fully equipped kitchen, common areas, and a classic EIH unit with a private bathroom and shower. Thank you to Mayor Mahan's team and the Willow Glen Neighborhood Association for taking the time to learn more about our programs! #RueFerrari #EndHomelessnesss #EmergencyInterimHousing

We're officially two weeks away from the Day of Service with Greystar at HomeFirst! HomeFirst staff and residents are eagerly awaiting the new renovations!   This project began in 2023 when Housing Industry Foundation champions added privacy screens to 200+ client beds and installed walls to create a visual barrier between the shelter���s bathrooms and sleeping area.   Phase two begins in two weeks on 8/22 at the Boccardo Reception Center, and we can’t wait to get started! This phase will involve painting the sleeping area and cafeteria, a full renovation of the main lobby, intake offices, and welcome desks. The project will include new flooring, furniture, lighting, and a new bathroom for clients! Varsity Painting is donating paint and supplies and will be prepping the shelter for the volunteers.   Thank you again to our Corporate Champion, Greystar and our vendors Severin Group LLC, Varsity Painting, CAMP Facility Services, T&S Structural, and Commercial Fire Protection!

#WinWednesday! Albert didn’t find HomeFirst; HomeFirst found him. Albert’s journey took an unexpected turn when he found himself homeless - his roommate’s family moved into the home, and he had to move out. After living on the streets for a while, he connected with HomeFirst’s Outreach Team and found interim housing at Rue Ferrari, a HomeFirst EIH. There, he’s lived with his dog, made new friends, and received on-site case management. Now, with a housing voucher in hand from the Office of Supportive Housing (OSH), Albert is eagerly awaiting permanent housing where he can enjoy Sunday football and a place to barbecue. His story highlights the vital role of outreach and interim housing in transforming lives, and serves as a reminder that connection to resources and community support are critical components to getting housed.🌟🏠 #EndHomelessness #PermanentHousing #InterimHousing #HomeFirst #SuccessStories

HomeFirst is hiring! Are you or someone you know looking for a career change? Join an inclusive community with like-minded individuals wanting to make a difference! Please visit the careers page on our website to learn more and apply! Or email our recruiter, Naya, at Nkaur@homefirstscc.org for more information or questions. #WereHiring #LifeatHF #EndHomelessness #Hiring #ContactUs #BayArea

Every workshop counts! 🌟 A huge thanks to @premieronecu for hosting two amazing finance workshops at one of our interim housing sites. Individuals gained valuable insights into budgeting, identity theft, and fraud protection. With these essential life skills, our participants will be more confident and empowered by their independence and self-sufficiency. 🙌💪 #FinancialLiteracy #CommunitySupport #LifeatHF

Exciting news from our Sonoma County team! We recently hired a Special Populations Coordinator, Ana Maria. Each year, Ana Maria will team up with the City of Petaluma to identify a vulnerable group in need of services. She will then carry a small caseload from the identified group, testing new approaches and developing new referral pathways, to improve care for the entirety of this community. The role, designed with the understanding that there’s no "one size fits all" solution to homelessness, will enable our agency to offer tailored support and meet diverse needs.  #SonomaCounty #EndHomelessness

At HomeFirst, we follow three guiding principles that help us work towards ending homelessness. Join us in making a difference—learn more about our work and how you can get involved by visiting our 🔗in bio. #GuidingPrinciples #BestPractices #HousingFirst #LowBarrier #HarmReduction

It's time to announce our next Book Club pick! In August, HomeFirst will host an Indigenous People’s Book Club, where participating staff will read national bestseller, There There, by Tommy Orange. The novel follows 12 people from Indigenous communities, as they journey to the Big Oakland Powwow. The virtual book club will foster learning and discuss perspectives from history that many of us weren't taught in school. #LifeatHF #ThereThere #BookClub #TommyOrange

Last week, Governor Newsom issued an executive order directing state agencies to clear homeless encampments, and our staff are voicing their concerns. Our team is committed to advocating for more effective and compassionate solutions that prioritize support and long-term stability for those affected.   Let’s talk about it! Comment below with your own personal thoughts about the new executive order. ⬇️⬇️⬇️ 

💡Did you know HomeFirst is pet friendly? 🐶 We encourage our participants to bring their furry friends every step of the way. For the past three years, Adopt My Block has partnered with HomeFirst to provide supplies for our residents with pets. By donating dog and cat food, toys, grooming supplies, flea medication, and more, the organization ensures that people in our programs can keep their pets happy and healthy. Thank you, Daniel and Adopt My Block, for your compassion, generosity, and partnership!