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Christie Holderegger, Volunteers of America, Sacramento's President and CEO joins me to share her insights and stories about their mission to combat homelessness and poverty. This faith-based nonprofit has been a providing service in Sacramento since 1911; Essential services like emergency shelters, transitional housing, and support programs across northern California and Nevada. And they've been doing it successfully, well before homelessness became the challenge it is today. Discover how VOA tailors its compassionate approach to meet the unique needs of around 4,000 individuals each night, with a focus on breaking the cycle of homelessness through strategic partnerships and proper education with local governments, foundations, and corporations.
We'll take a closer look at the power of community collaboration, working with large foundations and smaller agencies that contribute to creating impactful solutions for the homeless population. Christie speaks candidly about the financial challenges nonprofits face, from heavy reliance on government funding to the necessity of maintaining financial stability for uninterrupted service delivery. We discuss the importance of paying competitive wages to staff and adopting business-like practices to ensure the sustainability of nonprofit operations while addressing the systemic issues surrounding homelessness.
We also dive deep into the comprehensive services offered to support individuals on their journey to sustainable change. From workplace reentry programs and essential life skills training to addressing mental health and addiction challenges, the conversation highlights the critical need for expanded resources and we'll even speak with Nick Himphill, a former client, board member and board chair. His story will move you. This episode sheds light on the unsettling rise in senior homelessness and shares transformative success stories like that of Pitbull Dave, illustrating the profound impact of community support, love, and purpose. As we recognize the invaluable contributions of all involved, we celebrate the organization's mission of providing opportunities and belonging to those in need, fostering hope and inspiration, as well as, independence along the way.
To learn more about Volunteers of America and their programs, you can visit their website HERE
Chapter Summaries
(00:00) Volunteers of America
Volunteers of America partners with communities to provide shelter and support for homeless individuals, breaking the cycle of poverty.
(10:31) Addressing Homelessness Through Community Collaboration
Collaborative efforts, partnerships, stigma and trauma, financial stability, and operating like a business for sustainable nonprofit solutions.
(17:23) Supporting Homeless Individuals With Comprehensive Services
Life skills, mental health, and homelessness among seniors are discussed in the context of workplace and community reintegration.
(24:44) Supporting Homeless Individuals for Sustainable Change
Addressing homelessness and behavioral health in Sacramento through funding, housing, employment, and
Thank you so much for listening! We appreciate you. Please visit the website to sign up for our email updates. https://www.nonprofpod.com/ And if you like, leave me a voicemail to comment on the program, leave a question for us to ask in the future or a message for me, Jeff Holden. I may even use your voice mail message in a future episode. https://www.nonprofpod.com/voicemail. Thanks again for your support in listening, commenting and sharing the great work our local nonprofits are accomplishing.
