Top 5 Reasons Why Shelter Works at COTS
What comes to mind when you hear the phrase "Emergency Shelter?"
Do you think of someplace safe and secure? Do you picture laughter, joy, and connection? Do you imagine people working hard to find jobs, reconnect with their families, and improve their lives?
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. People are often amazed to hear that our shelters are different than this myth. In fact, last year alone, 43% of our adult emergency shelter residents graduated into permanent or transitional housing — success that is three times the national average.
Why do COTS’ shelters work? Here are our top 5 reasons:
1. No chore, no bed
It’s simple — You want a place to sleep? Here’s a mop. We’ve found that when we don’t pity people for their circumstances and hold them accountable for their actions, they no longer pity themselves. This self-esteem boost translates into jobs and housing and renewed relationships with loved ones.
2. Connection
We listen carefully to our residents, and to each other. We foster meaningful and healthy connection to community service, spiritual practice, family, employment, and friendship. These connections form a foundation that helps people achieve long-term success.
3. One roof
Transformation happens faster when everything is under one roof. Our residents can see the nurse in the morning, their case manager in the afternoon, and attend a housing search class at night. They also have a safe place to receive mail, apply for jobs, and steer clear of negative influences.
4. Multi-service center, not multi-problem solver
People are much more than the sum of their problems. We help our residents to discover their hopes and dreams for the future, and to take actions that will fulfill those dreams.
5. A place to plan and work
Sonoma County has a 1% vacancy rate and an affordable housing crisis. Our shelter gives people the time to plan their next steps while waiting for an apartment to become available.
We hope that you will support this critical community work this spring. Homelessness happens 365 days a year, 24-hours a day. COTS is here to help.
The easiest way to give is by visiting www.givetocots.org or you may call us at 707.765.6530.