---

Homeless in Sonoma

By Will Shonbrun

According to the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness (2013) there are close to two million people who experience homelessness in our country each year. Closer to home, there were approximately 4,280 homeless individuals counted in the 2013 Sonoma County Homeless Census & Survey. Focusing the lens even closer, that count showed a total of 228 in the Sonoma Valley of which 62 – men, women and children — were in the City of Sonoma.

But these are only numbers, statistics, and the human faces and the stories behind those faces are pretty much invisible and unheard. This article will bring some of those stories to light and let you meet and see a few of those people commonly referred to and sometimes dismissed as The Homeless.

Those who have never been there cannot know what living on the streets is like. In order to know it you’d have to live it. A description of something is not the thing.

So it is with homelessness, being without a home, a shelter that provides a place of safety and solace from what can be life’s harsh realities. A home can be no more than somewhere to lay your head, to relax, to drop your guard or to just rest in ease. We, most of us, take it for granted, but there are some of us, far too many who don’t.

For reasons of addiction to drugs or alcohol, mental health disabilities, economic failures, abandonment or just capricious twists of fate some find themselves sentenced to life on the street, separated from the rest of humanity and considered pariahs and criminals. This is the reality of being homeless, at the mercy of the elements and the whims of a legal structure that basically doesn’t care about you and will house you in city or county jails in an endless cycle.

In reality, it’s a crime to be hungry and poor in our society and those who are will suffer the consequences. Want to know what it’s like? Want to know what life is like when you don’t have any place to call home?

Warren’s journey

“Ten years ago, I narrowly missed being the nameless subject of a three-inch story in the paper: “Transient Dies near Creek.” Walking back to my campsite on a cold, moonless night, I misjudged a slope, fell and hit my head. When I came to, the blood flowing down my neck and into my eyes was annoying enough that I decided to walk to the hospital. The ER doctor told me I likely would have died if I hadn’t come in that night.

Now, while sitting in my snug apartment, I read the articles about homeless people dying by river and creek beds and I think how unlikely and how lucky my return was.

I became homeless in mid-life, after raising a family and working in the insurance industry. When my marriage and business plans failed at the same time, I threw up my hands and vowed to make my living as a carpenter. To no one’s surprise, thanks to my drug use, I failed. I wound up homeless and stayed that way for 10 long years.

I worked odd jobs, hopping from shelter to shelter, camp to camp. I’m a gregarious person, but the longer I remained homeless, the more I wanted to hide from people and the judgment I saw in their eyes.

I’ll never forget once when I was working on a crew doing some yard work. The homeowner singled me out as the most hardworking in the bunch and asked me inside to fix his basement floor. Impressed by my work, he asked how to get in touch with me for future repairs. I had to tell him he could drive to a bridge, yell my name and give me ten minutes to appear.

I saw by the look in his eyes that he would never do that, and that he was horrified that he’d let a homeless person inside his house. I remember shopkeepers who followed me through stores, mothers who shooed their kids past me in parks. I could not get steady work. I was giving up hope.

Then, in 2005, a friend told me about COTS’ Mary Isaak Center. Here was a place where I could be guaranteed a bunk. I could stay at the shelter during the day to meet with a case manager, see a nurse, look for jobs. Sobriety was a condition of residency, but with a guaranteed bed, relapse prevention classes and people who believed in me, sobriety was now possible.

Staff members gave me information, support, and advocacy. Most importantly, they gave me the human connection and respect I needed to believe in myself again and rebuild my life. Then, COTS gave me a job, which turned into a career, which turned into a mission. Today, I am the Site Operations Manager for COTS.

Last winter, COTS held a memorial service to mourn those homeless souls who had died alone, out in the elements. This winter, we’ll do the same, and I’ll think again of how lucky I am.”

— Warren Theuret

 ‘Sparkle’s’ story

“I grew up in a stable, wholesome, nurturing home. I excelled academically, embarked on a blazing career in a prestigious profession, and enjoyed tremendous business success. I owned upscale suburban homes, made profitable stock investments, traveled the world, and contributed generously to charities.

More recently, I’ve had experiences that others might consider tragic. I was rear-ended by a giant truck. I experienced unexpected business setbacks. I lived through two winters without running water or electricity. I went 21 days without a meal, dropping to just 86 pounds. I sold my jewelry to pay for car insurance and then had to sell my car to buy food.

Ultimately, I was locked out of my house in a foreclosure proceeding, forcing me to leave almost all of my personal and business assets behind. For the next three years, I slept on various friends’ sofas and floors.

Today I feel privileged to be living at The Haven in the beautiful Sonoma Valley. Every morning, I wake up eager to discover what the new day will bring. I continue to help others as best I can—the same as I did when I had far greater material wealth. The primary difference is that those I help now would never be able to afford the fees people used to pay for my services.

I do not regret any of my experiences. I believe they have increased my capacity to serve in ways that nothing else could have. I am also grateful for the simplicity they have forced upon me. I was not happier when I had more money and stuff. If anything, I am happier now.

When I owned my own home, I took in others of various ages who were in need of safe shelter. I never considered them “homeless” because they were living with me. Now “homeless” is a label others may put on me. In my view, though, my home can never be lost or taken from me because it’s always inside me. It’s who I am, and I take it with me wherever I go.”

The Haven: Sonoma’s homeless shelter

It’s estimated there are more than 200 homeless people including children living in the City and Valley of Sonoma. Fortunately for these individuals there is the Sonoma Overnight Support shelter, The Haven, which can house and feed and provide needed services for up to 12 people at any one time.

Started in the late 90s and serving an estimated 60 or more individuals and families each year, Sonoma Overnight Support has helped hundreds of people in times of emergency and need.

The Haven, at First Street West across from the Vets Building, is a comfortable and inviting setting with dorm rooms for four, a full kitchen and a living room. It’s staffed by Executive Director Catherine Barber, MSW, Jeffrey Severson, Program Manager, KimE Ridge, Outreach Coordinator, and Art, the live-in manager.

“I find working in Social Work fields keeps me in touch and allows me to give back the skills and tools I have accumulated,” Barber said.

“I love it,” said Severson said. “I love watching as they move up and out of this dire situation.” He relates that he’s a strong believer in second (and more) chances, and is committed to helping, “those most in need and most overlooked. I’m open to it all and true to my beliefs.”

Mikayla’s story:

This next story is about Mikayla DeRosier (who gave us permission to use her full name), a 61-year-old single woman born in the Bay Area, enjoyed a “normal, typical, upper-middle-class” childhood and graduated college with a BS degree in Business Management. She worked for a number of years in banking, commercial lending and mortgages as a project manager, but had “struggled with depression for many years” and in 1995, no longer able to properly function in her work, was diagnosed with “chronic biological depression” and put on disability. In addition she was diagnosed with “chronic daily migraine”, a condition she’d had since childhood, but has found more successful treatments in the last few years.

Even though she inherited a house she had to subsequently sell it and live on the proceeds to supplement her disability income, which didn’t nearly cover her living expenses. In addition she lost a lot of money “due to bad investment advice, and the downturn in the market.” She became homeless in 2014 when her life savings dwindled and due to an injury in a fall breaking wrist bones could no longer use a computer required for most jobs. She considers herself fortunate to at least have a car.

Mikayla has been living at The Haven, the homeless shelter in the City of Sonoma for the last few months (more about the shelter later) and here is some of what she had to say about homelessness:

“Since becoming homeless myself, and meeting many other homeless people, I’ve learned that homelessness is an economic condition, not a personality flaw. Homeless people come from all walks of life, and someone can become homeless slowly or very quickly, at any age or station of life. With one exception, the residents currently living at the Haven are 50 or older, mostly over 60. Everyone’s story is different, i.e., we all arrived at this point in our lives by different paths and for different reasons. Some have been homeless for quite a while, and others of us just recently. Some of us lived on the street or in our cars, some not. Some of us handle it better than others, though we’re all learning. Some of us have a plan to move forward with our lives, getting back to being able to support ourselves and live on our own, and others seem to be floundering.

After much consideration, I’ve decided that what I really want to do with my life is work with homeless and other under-served people. I’ve always had a passion for helping others, and have volunteered since I was about 15 years old in one way or another. In order to work in the Human Services field, I need further education. At the suggestion of Jeff Severson, Haven Program Manager, I’ve enrolled at Santa Rosa Junior College to earn a certificate in Human Services Drug and Alcohol Advocacy. The program will take about 18 months, and will qualify me to work with those who have or had problems with drug and alcohol addiction, as well those who have become disenfranchised for other reasons. I’m starting off with two psychology classes in the summer.

To pay for school, I am applying for grants and scholarships, and have set myself up on gofundme.com, so that family and friends can support me in raising the funds I need for school, about $5,800 for tuition, fees & books. I received $525 after just two days on gofundme. Both of my summer classes, Abnormal Psychology and Child/Adolescent Psychology, will be online. After those classes, most of the others will be on campus. The other classes will be in counseling and drug and alcohol addiction and treatment, including several units of occupational work experience (internship).

I am also taking a Drug and Alcohol Awareness class online, to begin learning about various substances, the effects on the body, and treatment.

Right now, I am working part time, a few hours a week, and saving my earnings for when I will need to pay rent. I can stay at the Haven for another couple of months, and will need additional part time work before I move into the next step, transitional housing.

Transitional housing is a step between living in a shelter and moving out on my own. It generally lasts from 6 months to 2 years, living with other women and paying rent of about $500 – $600 a month, depending on the facility. Rent may also include utilities and some food. Some of my time now is spent researching transitional housing opportunities, and Jeff is helping me with that as well. I hope to move into transitional housing in the Santa Rosa/Sebastopol area in the next couple of months, as my time at the Haven comes to a close. While I’ve lived in Sonoma for 15 years, and love living in Sonoma, I’d like to live closer to Santa Rosa Junior College, and not have to spend a lot of time and gas money commuting to school. If I can take the bus to school, that would be great.

It may be possible to work part-time in the field while I’m going to school. If not, I’ll find other suitable part-time work. Upon graduating with my certificate, I will work in Human Services Drug and Alcohol Advocacy in settings such as shelters, transitional housing, and private or public agencies. I prefer working either in Sonoma County or possibly in Salem, Oregon where I have family, but would consider moving to other areas, as I get closer to having my certificate.

 — Mikayla DeRosier

“Chuck’s” story:

Born in San Francisco, I come from notable heritage on both sides of my family. My father was a lawyer, my mother a teacher. We moved around some and ended up settling in Santa Rosa. My early years were marked by tumult. In pre-school and in kindergarten I had emotional issues, partly inherited and partly from home. Consequently, my first teachers didn’t know what to do with me.

Subsequently, that became the story of my school experience. It was established in my forties that I have Aspergers Syndrome. My parents, due to very different ways of seeing things, divorced when I was five. My father met an East Coast socialite in San Francisco. Their personalities were never a good fit but there was a strong mutual physical attraction. She became my first stepmother. When you put two alcoholics together, it’s very combustible. The next four+ years were the most miserable of my life due to various types of abuse. They split up when I was ten.

My father met and fell in love with another teacher from Santa Rosa who was much more comfortable in her own skin. I liked her a lot better and did somewhat better in school. My emotional limitations caused me problems in both keeping up with and getting along with other students. I was in principals’ and deans’ offices more than most students.

Because of my problems with my peers, my dad chose to send me to a school with more discipline and a higher academic standard. I suppose I did OK there in my four years, though I still didn’t get along very well, but my grades did improve some. I graduated – barely. My dad wanted me to go to the J.C., but I didn’t. Instead, I traveled around and got part-time jobs in other states, but still ended up back in Santa Rosa.

Unfortunately for myself and society, as a small child I was easily influenced by peers, and got into bad habits such as stealing. Even though I’d get away with it, sooner or later they’d catch me. So, in my adult years, I’ve spent a fair amount of time in jail, though never convicted of a felony. I’ve also spent a good part of my adult life, about twenty years, homeless. As of now, I’ve managed to avoid that for the last ten years. Since I was diagnosed with autism, confirmed by a professional advocate, by the Social Security system, and by an appointed doctor, I’m on medication and it helps level my moods. Since I’ve been on disability, I’ve managed to make amends to people I’ve harmed and accomplished things that they suggested I do. I’ve also gone beyond that and contributed a lot to a myriad of non-profits, varying from humanistic to the animal kingdom and the environment, not just monetarily, but hands on as well, such as helping stop a pending nuclear waste dump above a critical water source that millions of people rely on.

The reason I’m writing this contribution is because back when I was homeless, it was more of a choice. It was easier then, on a lower wage, when with others, to be able to rent a 2 or 3-bedroom apartment. Landlords accepted references more then, and didn’t require stringent credit requirements and deposits (such as damage) as is the case now with property management companies who demand your first-born. The cops have never been the friends of the homeless. They tear up their camps, destroy, scatter, confiscate and steal their belongings, and/or put them in jail. So my whole point in this is that at the very least, the working classes deserve a minimum quality-of-life wage so they at least have a chance to have a home and a job, and I think everybody (except the rich) has come to the consensus that it equals out to $15/hour. I hope this group of stories helps all concerned see the wisdom of such a conclusion and act on it.

One woman’s story:

Homeless. I can’t be Homeless. I’m an RN.

I was permanently disabled, injured on the job, cannot work, but I’m still an RN. My only income is SSI. Of course I hadn’t saved money, I had too many “Obligations”, and it never occurred to me that I wouldn’t be able to work. Indeed, without a home, staying awake all night in the front seat of Scout- my car’s name…he’s a 1989 Volvo station wagon…quite comfortable after a while…& Random-my lovely, wonderful Border Collie; but that first night was rough. I was sick to my stomach, fearful about what to do now??? Scout was a total disaster with last minute packing didn’t work for me. (fear, I guess) My dog~an incredible spirit wrapped up in a dog suit wasn’t happy about it either. He was easy, we just went for a short walk which took care of his needs! Not too long a walk because I was soon scheduled for a total knee, And walking was painful. I, trying to find “normal”, went to a local diner and ate a HUGE pancake, over easy eggs, toast, country fried potatoes, bacon, & sausage breakfast. Coffee~of course! Most of it went to Random who made quick work of it.

Living in Scout is very hard, you know? Very, very hard. It’s a daily chore of getting up, using my bathroom, which is a big cook pot- our “stuff” was piled high in the back, covering the windows (mostly) Random, being a gentleman, would sit facing front- my lookout! Clean-up was a bit difficult but we managed. The good people at Lowes let me park in their parking lot if I stayed way back. Also of big heart was the Lucky shopping mall in Cotati.

I wanted to stay in Paradise, but it’s illegal to camp in town….and living in my car is considered camping~so say the police of Paradise, 2 times~ different officers were nice about it…they came over just at dusk and told me I had to move…the first officer told me I wasn’t parked in a safe place, & said the hospital lot would be safe for us. He let me in on the hospital parking lot. The last pair of cops saw me in the afternoon, but I was awakened at 2 a.m. with their lights on bright, facing the side of Scout. I awoke and they told me that if they saw me “camping” once more, they would impound Scout and put me in jail, ”… and I’ll put your mutt in the dog pound where they’ll euthanize him quickly!” After a few more choice words they left. Random & I didn’t even have to talk it over…we left that night for Cotati.

I don’t generally think human beings are stupid~I think they’re just thoughtless. What happened next….(needed to take a breath).. the manager of the storage space I had rented~ holding everything I owned, was broken into, & they took my bed!!! My Tempurpedic bed, & the antique-looking head & footboard I bought from Sundance; I was just flabbergasted! WHO WOULD DO SUCH A THING? The manager said she knew who the thieves were…the guy had a storage unit with this company, told her that his key fit my lock, so he thought it was his mom’s. What a joker! I called the police, fortunately one of the nice ones, he did his job well. I got me bed back! I was given a combination padlock from a trustworthy person. Such good-hearted people are sent my way. I am grateful. These types of things kept me in Paradise for about a week or so, back & fourth between Paradise & Chico, our morning commute.

Finally we were ready to head for Home. Nice folks in Colousa; I went into the Hospital to see if I could Sleep in their parking lot, (small hospital) a doctor came out to talk to me~ the nurse got him for permission; not only did he give me & Random permission….He loaded my arms with leftover sandwiches, cake, soft drinks….”need anything else”, he asked? Blankets? Pillows? I ended up talking to the Chief of Police, a real nice guy, he took me to a choice parking place & told me he’d keep an eye on us. I just burst into tears. I’ve been crying a lot lately…a lot. When people are kind to me that’s what always happens. Random & I spent two blissful nights there, then we again set out for Home, which is Sonoma, of course.

Note: This woman stayed at The Haven for a time and roomed with Mikayla and Sparkle. Shortly after leaving the shelter she was arrested by the Sonoma Police, spent a night or so in jail, at which time her car was impounded. She had to pay the police department $190 to get a written (1-page) release for her car at Bonneau’s on Arnold Drive and was charged $440 to get her car out of impound there. So a homeless person, living in her car, had to come up with over $600 for the crime of being homeless and poor. Also, not through any fault of their own, homeless shelters cannot take people’s pets. It’s not known what happened to Random.

Being homeless in this world is a desperate situation, and for many reasons some cannot escape it. But some can hit the dark depths and rise again into the light with the help of others and their own will to do so. There are five homeless shelters and many volunteer-operated food services for those in need in Sonoma County and this is the hallmark of a civilized and caring society. There is not nearly enough emergency or affordable housing for all those in need, and this is a failure of our society that must be addressed before it gets worse.

It can be done. The City of Seattle, for example, has a 10-year plan to end homelessness, employing the radical concept of building housing for them. The plan also fully encompasses dealing with the root causes of homelessness and changing and ending that cycle of despair.

---

---