Substantial Community Grant Will Aid Housing Project for Homeless Supportive Housing
Santa Rosa, CA (September 12, 2019) – On September 12, 2019 Sonoma County Vintners Foundation presented The Society of St. Vincent de Paul with a $250,000 grant at a check presentation ceremony to support the Gold Coin Motel housing conversion project. This grant is one of over 60 grants distributed by the Sonoma County Vintners Foundation with the proceeds from the 2018 Sonoma County Wine Auction.
“Sonoma County Vintners Foundation, and the Sonoma County wine community are proud to support organizations that provide assistance for members of our community in need,” said Michael Haney, Sonoma County Vintners Executive Director. “In addition to our many community grants, when we were planning the Sonoma County Wine Auction of 2018 we were very passionate about supporting the immediate needs that resulted from the Tubbs Fire of 2017. We feel fortunate that we were able to provide various grants to support this need.”
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul, District Council of Sonoma County, Inc. (SVDP) is in escrow on the Gold Coin Motel, located at 2400 Mendocino Avenue, in Santa Rosa, California. With this grant and additional funding, this county supported project plans to convert all 56-units into permanent supportive housing for people experiencing homelessness, including people who have become homeless as a result of the 2017 Fires, complete with wraparound supportive services to support residents’ needs, including financial needs, permanent housing, and preventative healthcare.
“We are eager to complete this project and with the help of this generous donation from Sonoma County Vintners Foundation we are much closer to meeting our goal. The location of this project is ideal!” said Jack Tibbetts Saint Vincent de Paul – Sonoma Executive Director. “Within one-quarter of a mile of the housing location is a grocery store with organic food options, the local Health and Human Services Department, as well as a bus station on a major transit corridor. With the help of this grant, renovations are ready to begin this November, when we assume ownership.” St. Vincent de Paul is striving to have the property fully occupied by July, 2020.
The Sonoma County Vintners Foundation partners with the Community Foundation Sonoma County on their community grants program application process. The Community Foundation Sonoma County has served as a hub of philanthropy for the county for over 30 years.
In addition to the Sonoma County Vintners Foundation Fire Relief Fund, the foundation also distributes funds annually through their Community Grants program, which targets four key areas of need within Sonoma County: education, health and human services, environment and arts and culture.
The 2019 Sonoma County Wine Auction will be held September 19-21. For more information please visit SonomaCountyWineAuction.com or call 707.237.2620. To learn more about the Sonoma County Vintners Foundation, please visit: SonomaWine.com/Foundation.
About Sonoma County Vintners Foundation
The Sonoma County Vintners Foundation provides support to our local community through philanthropy and charitable giving. Our fundraising efforts have a direct impact in the areas of literacy, education, health and human services, the environment and arts and culture. Our signature fundraising event, Sonoma County Wine Auction has been recognized as one of Wine Spectator’s Top Charity Wine Auctions in the United States. Learn more at SonomaWine.com/Foundation.
