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JERRY + KATHLEEN
A fire survivor who lost his home in Coffey Park, Jerry Canaday came to SHARE in February of 2019. SHARE's housing specialist, Sheila Almquist met Jerry at a local coffee shop close to the hotel he was staying to review his application and discuss his priorities and needs. Knowing Jerry lost his car too, it became a priority to find housing on a bus route. Because Jerry is over 60, senior housing complexes were good option. SHARE has had several successful matches in Oakmont and we had a new provider, Kathleen, a homeowner of a three-bedroom home in Oakmont. Sheila introduced both seeker and provider to each other and a successful match was created.
Jerry was able to move into his new home less than a week later. There was help with the deposit, moving expenses and furniture costs. After two long years of living in his car and moving from hotel to motel, Jerry no longer worries about where he is going to sleep each day. His health has improved, he swims daily and finds time to ride his bike.
Humble and grateful, Jerry said, “Many angels were involved to help facilitate this move. Our resourceful community, Sonoma County and especially SHARE have amazing support for me through a devastating time in my life. My entire life changed in a matter of an evening, everything I owned was gone. I have finally found a beautiful place I can call home and even my kitty, Beauty, feels as though she has found a home!"
Provider Kathleen reports "I was referred to SHARE by a friend who works for the county. I have had a successful full life, I've raised a family, and have had a career working as a school teacher but recently have experienced sudden drastic life changes, including the recent loss of a loved one. Financially I needed to rent a room in my home.”
She adds, “I have to admit that the thought of bringing a stranger into my home was a difficult decision. Working with SHARE has made it easier. They do a background and reference checks and took the worry out of the process for me. One of the best things is that I have the security of knowing that I have an agency, SHARE, to support me. Sheila follows up and checks in on us regularly. Something that started out to be an overwhelming experience for both Jerry and I has turned out to be a comfortable secure situation. We both feel supported and not alone."
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