Donation Supports Development of Essential Emergency Family Shelter for Sonoma County
SANTA ROSA, Calif. (September 14, 2020) – Today the Sonoma County Vintners Foundation announces the contribution of $1 million to the Caritas Village Campaign by Catholic Charities. The funds provided will aid in the development of Sonoma County’s largest affordable housing and supported services project in the history of the county. Supportive housing needs remain a critical issue for Sonoma County and was exacerbated with the 2017 fires.
“We are humbled to be able to help support a solution for those in need within our county. We could not have done this without the contributions of our wine community and generous donors,” says Sonoma County Vintners Foundation Executive Director Michael Haney.
The financial contribution from Sonoma County Vintners Foundation is designated for the construction of the Caritas Center that will serve as a hub for essential housing resources. Caritas Center will be built in downtown Santa Rosa along 7th street, and the 46,000 square feet facility will include a family shelter, a childcare center, housing counseling, a dignity center, a recuperation shelter, and a new health clinic. Over 3,000 people will start their journey to housing at Caritas Center each year, a journey that will be accelerated by participation in Catholic Charities evidence-based housing model.
“Our community of winemakers here in Sonoma County has a generous heart. I’m immensely proud of the Sonoma County Vintners Foundation for supporting this innovative project in such a generous way. Hats off!” says Caritas Village Campaign Cabinet Member Merry Edwards.
There are more than 3,000 people experiencing homelessness in Sonoma County today which is three times the U.S. average. “When we learned about the Caritas Village campaign we were inspired by the immediate need for this kind of support. We knew that Catholic Charities had proven programs they planned to expand that would support individuals or families in need in an all-encompassing fashion,” says Sonoma County Vintners Foundation Board of Directors President Clay Mauritson. “We look forward to their continued success stories!”
In addition to this contribution, the Sonoma County Vintners Foundation provides community grants in the area of literacy and education, health and human services, the environment, and arts and culture. For more information about the Sonoma County Vintners Foundation click here or view the full list of community grant beneficiaries click here. To learn more about the Caritas Village campaign, please visit: www.caritas-village.org
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 SonomaCountyWineAuction.com.
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About Catholic Charities:
Since 1954, Catholic Charities has changed the lives of hundreds of thousands of neighbors experiencing homelessness, helping them find housing and community. Catholic Charities exists to help anyone, regardless of belief or background, overcome adversity and realize their highest potential. In addition to their nationally recognized services and extensive network of housing providers, Catholic Charities also provides expert immigration counseling, senior care services, and disaster recovery services.
