SHO Community Update
SoHum Housing Opportunities / Encampment Resolution Funding
January 7, 2025
Happy New Year! I have heard reference to “2025 is our year to thrive” This is a great affirmation for our so hum community’s revitalization efforts.
On May 7, 2024, SHO (SoHum Housing Opportunities) received word that our Encampment Resolution Funding (ERF) grant was awarded in full. Oh, happy days!
We were told to go ahead and move forward with our program plans as we would be reimbursed after t(s) crossed and I(s) dotted. Through a line of credit at our Vocality Credit Union and a personal loan we indeed began working towards our goal of transitional housing.
SHO located a property and an offer was accepted. Escrow was to close contingent on when we received funding. SHO rented the house next door to be used as an office and about 2,000 sf of raised garden beds. A kitchen that allowed us to make food and distribute to trail heads and those on the street. We continue collaboration with The Baptist Church helping with food and supplies.
On Halloween, October 31, SHO received our check.
We needed to shift gears due to the delay in receiving funds. We finalized and closed escrow on the Grange property. We were able to procure our van that allows us to do outreach. Christy Watson is our interim outreach worker and site monitor. A wrap around services agreement is in the process which will provide 2 outreach workers and a housing person specifically for our 3 year program ending June 2027. We have two Engineers (an Engineer is required for renovation of grange and site) that we have received bids from. Both highly recommended. SHO will determine shortly who to hire. The Engineer will put a bid package together for us to begin the hiring process for a General Contractor. A big thank you for sage advice from Dennis Bourassa and Jim Truitt.
SHO determined we needed to place four unhoused folk in a motel to begin services towards permanent housing. Until we do a budget modification the rooms will be paid by the interest of deposited monies in a money market plan. The State advised us we can use the interest as we felt it was needed. SHO is moving forward providing services and looking into different housing possibilities.
SHO is advertising for an Administrative Assistant, followed by a Rapid Rehousing Specialist. When the site is ready we will hire site monitors as well as implement security measures to keep everyone safe. Once our program is up and running, my position as Program Manager will be offered so I may step back allowing me to continue my duties of SHO President.
Please contact me if you have any questions.
Patte Rae, President
SoHum Housing Opportunities
707 223-1560
www.sohumhousing.org