CONTACT: Matt Reed, Interim Executive Director
PHONE: (530) 891-9048
EMAIL: Matt@truenorthbutte.org
True North Housing Alliance is housing Project Roomkey participants during the coronavirus pandemic
Since the coronavirus pandemic began, True North has worked diligently with Safe Space to place 212 people into local motels through Project Roomkey, a state program. This includes those previously staying at the
Torres Community Shelter as well as those who were unsheltered, living on city streets or in parks and camps.
All participants are considered Butte County’s most vulnerable and at risk, being 65 and older and/or having chronic health conditions. They have continued to receive wraparound case management and essential services while participating in the program, as well as three meals a day from the
Jesus Center.
At the same time True North and Safe Space have moved vulnerable individuals into motel rooms, the organizations have worked hard to secure housing for Project Roomkey participants. A total of 19 people have moved into local homes as a result of this program and this partnership, which also has included assistance from the
Chico Housing Action Team.
True North Interim Executive Director Matt Reed said administering the Project Roomkey program has been an amazing experience.
“Project Roomkey has provided True North Housing Alliance and Safe Space Winter Shelter the opportunity to stabilize and identify individuals who are ready for housing. We have been able to take people from the shelter or the street, allow them time to utilize case management and develop a plan of action, and finally bring them home,” Reed said.
“I have seen outstanding individuals do outstanding things and come together as a team over the past couple of months,” Reed continued. “Our hope and our goal now is to carry the momentum we have built into the future.”
One program participant, Thomas, is 54 and has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and emphysema. He has to use supplemental oxygen and oxygen therapy treatments to survive.
True North helped Thomas move from the Torres Shelter into a local motel room early last month after identifying that he’d be an ideal program participant.
Then, True North secured a 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.
“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.”
For more information about True North’s efforts during the coronavirus pandemic, please contact Matt Reed at matt@truenorthbutte.org.
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About Us:
True North Housing Alliance is a full spectrum, solution-driven continuum of care provider. We meet people where they are on their path to making a better life for themselves through our proven formula of compassion + dignity + accountability. Our programs are collaborative, working with many community partners, to give those facing homelessness a hand up, not a handout.
