HOME SWEET HOME
Something about those simple words creates a sense of warmth in our hearts. Home is where we can kick off our shoes at the end of a weary day and reflect on the activities we engaged in, the people we interacted with and entertain our dreams and goals for the future. That scenario, though familiar and beautiful in its content, is not true of a growing number of people in our communities. According to statistics, over half of Americans are just one paycheck away from being homeless. That’s right…homeless! Today I had the pleasure of speaking with two inspirational women who are all too familiar with the real-life statistics of homelessness. Executive Director Janna Nichols and Associate Director Devon McQuade of the (5CHC) 5Cities Homeless Coalition, located at 100 S. 4th St., Grover Beach, Ca. 93433, opened my eyes to SEE how prevalent this issue is in our very own backyard of San Luis Obispo County. My heart was moved as they both shared scenario after scenario of how people become homeless every day in our community. As Janna put it, “Most people don’t become homeless overnight, but rather it is a series of events that occur in their lives that make them financially at risk of losing their housing.” Homelessness is something we shouldn’t judge, but rather address it with a heart of humility, acknowledging the valuable person behind each circumstance. With that in mind, I want to highlight a few life events that CAN put someone at the risk of becoming homeless. Many of these scenarios are familiar to us in nature. But we don’t often consider the financial impact they can possibly have on an individual or family. When we choose to SEE these events through the eyes of compassion, it can GREATLY change our perspective. Here are just a few….
- Significant medical bills / Health issues
- The loss of the main financial provider
- Loss of a job
- Difficulty finding employment
- Untreated mental illness
- Substance abuse
- Elderly/ disabled on a fixed income unable to keep up with increasing housing costs
It is evident WHY 5CHC and its DEDICATED staff are such an ESSENTIAL part of our community. The work they do each day literally changes lives and the undeniable result of their effort, is a safer and more cohesive community for us all. So, how can WE tangibly make a difference today in this ongoing social crisis? Monetary donations and fundraising support are ALWAYS an essential way to help meet the needs of any organization. When we give to the 5Cities Homeless Coalition, our funds cover everything from helping a person retain their housing, to outreach services for our homeless adults and youth, to supporting our two local transitional housing shelters. These unique transitional housing shelters were built in partnership with our County leaders of San Luis Obispo County and the City leaders of Grover Beach. Cabins For Change, which provides 20 individual units, opened its doors on Dec. 23, 2022, and Balay Ko on Barca Bungalows, which provides 30 individual units, opened its doors July 1,2024. Both shelters give their guests a place to rest their weary head at the end of a long day and provide vital resources that give them an OPPORTUNITY to transform their lives. Dignity, safety, routine guidance from case managers and precious time with kindhearted volunteers who display much-needed positive social interactions, are all essential services that can help the guests SEE a much brighter future! As Janna so eloquently put it, “We are in the housing business.” Stable housing creates more stable lives. It is the mission of 5CHC to serve our Central Coast by spreading HOPE to the hopeless through a network of social resources proven to make a difference. This month 5CHC is launching their fundraising campaign. PLEASE look for ways to support this very worthy cause!
Together we can help provide a HOME SWEET HOME for someone or family in need
Workforce Development Program Facebook Live Stream March Luncheon Presentation
Sincerely,
Kim Wybenga
