New home for nonprofit’s free meal program

Sonoma Overnight Support (SOS) has found a new home for its free meal operation, announcing plans to move into an empty building at 17400 Highway 12 in Boyes Hot Springs. The nonprofit is currently renting Grange Hall to produce its daily take-away food service, which will continue in that space until the new location is ready in a few months.

The larger space will enable SOS to expand its program addressing the food needs of unhoused and food-insecure individuals in Sonoma and Sonoma Valley, said Executive Director Kathy King. The demand is unprecedented – and growing. 

“SOS has seen enormous growth in numbers served over the past few years,” King said. “Since 2019, the number of meals served has increased by 350 percent, with 61,147 meals served in 2022. 

In the first two months of 2023, SOS served 11,427 meals – a 62% increase over the same period last year. “This significant growth has necessitated our move to a bigger space,” she said. King said SOS had been searching for a new home for several years but could not find a suitable space until now. 

Along with improved kitchen equipment and facilities – the space had been a licensed commercial kitchen – the new building will provide office space for a food manager, intake specialist, and case manager. Overnight shelter, or a safe parking program, will not be available at the site. 

SOS has received a $51,000 grant from the Sonoma Valley Catalyst Fund to help with capital costs. Architect Bennett Martin of Strata AP is developing plans for the renovation.  SOS is working with Supervisor Susan Gorin to obtain the needed permits from the County, King said. 

“We anticipate a grand opening of the SOS Unity Kitchen in summer 2023,” said King. “Until then, SOS will continue to serve meals from The Grange” at 18627 Hwy. 12. 

The original SOS location, The Haven, on First St. W. in Sonoma, will continue to operate, providing showers and laundry facilities, Porta Potties, and oversight of the Safe Parking Program.