We never stop creating affordable housing options for folks in Chico.
Greetings, to our wonderful supporters!
We are still elated—and maybe a little exhausted—following our 10th Anniversary Housing for All celebration and fundraiser last Saturday. But we're not slowing down! In fact, we have some exciting new details to share about the upcoming screening of a documentary focusing on CHAT and our first decade creating local, affordable housing. Speaking of which, we were incredibly honored to be recognized by the city of Chico during the City Council's Tuesday meeting. Also, I'm pleased to share that CHAT was once again in the news. Read on to learn more!
-Nicole
Thanks, Mr. Mayor!
CHAT co-founder Leslie Johnson speaks after Mayor Andrew Coolidge presents a city proclamation.
Citywide shout out: Tuesday evening (Nov. 7), during the Chico City Council's regular meeting, Mayor Andrew Coolidge presented CHAT Executive Director Nicole Drummond and co-founder Leslie Johnson with a city proclamation!
We're so grateful to be honored in this wonderful and very official way. Among other things, the proclamation highlights CHAT's decade of work creating local, affordable housing for homeless individuals. We've made remarkable progress since our inception in the frigid fall of 2013, and we're humbled by the recognition. Watch the ceremony by clicking here.
World Premiere
Respectful Revolution's Gerard Ungerman films former CHAT Board member Charles Withuhn.
You're invited: For the last six years, Respectful Revolution Project has been helping CHAT tell our story through video content. Sitting on a treasure trove of footage, local videographers Gerard Ungerman and Stacey Wear have just completed a full-length retrospective on CHAT's work over the last decade, chronicling our history and growth.
The 80-minute film, titled CHAT—An Incredible First Ten Years, will premiere at the Pageant Theater (351 East 6th St.) on Wednesday, Nov. 15. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the movie begins at 7. Please join us for this screening, which captures CHAT's incredible journey over the past decade, from an all-volunteer group operating an emergency cold-weather shelter to a powerhouse nonprofit that today houses hundreds of formerly homeless individuals. (Arrive early to ensure you get a ticket! Purchase price: $10-$20, sliding scale.)
News alert:
Resident Kerry Chancholo (left) with co-founders Sheldon Praiser, Leslie Johnson and Bob Trausch. (CN&R photo by Ken Smith)
ICYMI: CHAT was featured in the November issue of the Chico News & Review (click here to read the story)! Reporter Ken Smith spoke with one of our amazing residents, as well as co-founders Sheldon Praiser, Leslie Johnson and Bob Trausch.
The article focuses on CHAT's decade of service to the community, but more than that, it underscores how we provide wraparound services based on each individual's needs. As CHAT resident Kerry put it, "They don’t just give people a safe place to rest, they care about the whole person. They care about my problems. They care about me."
Remember in November
Important PSA: Did you know that November is National Homeless Youth Awareness Month—a time to spread awareness and make a difference? This month, there are numerous ways you can take action in response to the crisis of homeless youth, both nationally and right here in Butte County:
• Wear green on Nov. 16
• Light up your home or office with green lights
• Make a “round-up” donation when shopping at Chico Natural Foods Co-op or The Barn at Meriam Park
• Buy a drink at Dutch Bros. in Oroville on Nov. 17, when proceeds will benefit 6th St. Center for Youth
Youth homelessness is indeed a crisis. More than 11,000 youth are homeless in California on any given night. November is also National Runaway Prevention Month—a public awareness campaign designed to “shine a light” on the experiences of youth who have run away, as well as youth who have experienced homelessness.
To that end, save the date for the Light the Night Vigil in downtown Chico. It begins at 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 17, launching from the steps of the City Council chambers (511 Main St.). To learn more, click here.
What a party!
Cheers! Thank you to everyone who attended our (sold out!) Housing for All anniversary celebration! We hope you enjoyed the festivities as much as we did. It was wonderful spending time with fellow community members who are likewise deeply passionate about creating local affordable housing solutions. The energy in the room was amazing. So much gratitude for our alumni residents who shared their stories.
CHAT relies on our generous donors, so we greatly appreciate your attendance at this once-in-a-decade fundraiser. As much as this was a celebration of our anniversary milestone, it also was a celebration of our amazing supporters!
Big thanks to our celebration sponsors: Slater & Son construction and the Center for Spiritual Living!
As always, thank you for reading our email news, and thank you for supporting local, affordable housing solutions!
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