The Abbé Pierre Foundation (FAP) has warned that homelessness and terrible living circumstances are rising in France. The nonprofit estimates 330,000 homeless persons in France in its annual study, released on Wednesday. This is 30,000 more than the previous year and a 130% rise over 2012, the date of the most recent INSEE research on the issue. The study also addresses the government and the "inadequacy" of its efforts to address the problem. That is why discussing homelessness with children in French schools is critical. In online sessions on the LiveXP platform, you may discuss homelessness with the French tutor online.

In addition to his long career in police work, Chief Williams holds a Master's degree in Leadership, which we know he will put to good use in his new leadership role on the COTS Board of Directors. Chief Williams has worked in law enforcement for over 30 years. Prior to coming to the City of Petaluma, Chief Williams served as Police Chief for the City of Desert Hot Springs for many years.

Robert has spent most of his life in Sonoma County. But last year, his family was crammed into one room in a family member’s apartment. Robert made an important decision to put his children first, and address his substance abuse issues. After finishing the program, he and his family moved into the Kids First Family Shelter.

COTS program results for July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2016.

Fall Update from Mike.

Q & A with Randy Clay, Lead Outreach Specialist for the Petaluma Sober Circle.

Ann Nolen

At COTS, all of our programs are ACEs informed. Find out more about ACEs and how we address them with the population we serve.

We often hear myths about Emergency Shelters — something we call the three Ds — that they are Dangerous, Dirty, and Derelict. Or, we assume that shelters are nothing more than a roof and a hot meal.

One of our employees is recognized in the local newspaper

We can hardly believe how much happened in 2015! Here are our top moments.