Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week with NTTHS

November 11th through 18th is Hunger and Homelessness Awareness week. Sierra Community House is excited to extend a warm welcome to North Tahoe – Truckee Homeless Services (NTTHS) as our guest contributor for today’s blog!

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Every person deserves food on their plate and a roof over their head. Unfortunately, many neighbors in the North Lake Tahoe – Truckee region face challenges to meet these basic needs daily. North Tahoe-Truckee Homeless Services (NTTHS) works to provide access to these necessities and end homelessness, one person at a time.

We are proud to share a story of success based on a letter we received from our newly housed neighbors, Kathy and her dog Spot.

In June 2023, I was living and working out of my vehicle with my dog, Spot, after my clutch went out. A friend told me about the NTTHS Day Center. On my first day accessing their resources, I completed an intake, did laundry, received a hot meal, and took a hot shower. I continued to use their resources for a week, until my vehicle got towed and I found myself homeless.  

Despite what I was going through, I continued working and searching for housing, using NTTHS’s support. NTTHS provided a mailing address for job applications, arranged a ride to Reno for pre-employment screenings, and eventually helped me qualify for housing assistance through their Rapid Rehousing Program. During the challenging three-month period, the NTTHS staff made me feel worthy and gave me the strength to persevere. Despite community judgment, NTTHS welcomed me and Spot, guiding us to stability.

Before this I had never in my 60 years been homeless. I had been independent and self-sufficient my whole life, and had been employed since I was 14 years old. There was a path out, and NTTHS led the way for me. I am so happy to share that Spot and I now have a home! I am so grateful for the help I received through the support from NTTHS. They made a difference in our lives, and we will be forever grateful. -Kathy and Spot