Annie Falandes has stepped down as president of Homeless Action Sonoma (HAS) the nonprofit organization she founded four years ago.
Falandes lead the effort to establish the Home and Safe Village, a cluster of tiny shelter homes at 18820 Sonoma Highway in Boyes Hot Springs. The HAS Board has elected Ted Nordquist, PhD as the organization’s new president.
Board Chair James Whittaker said “Annie has been an inspirational leader working on behalf of individuals experiencing homelessness in the community. She’s been an innovator bringing new and visionary solutions to this challenge.”
Under her leadership HAS accomplished a great deal, he said, including purchase of a property on Sonoma Highway, and the creation of the Home and Safe Village of tiny homes where more than 20 individuals have roofs over their heads for the first time in years. Annie has also been instrumental in transitioning many clients into permanent supportive housing. She collaborated with local nonprofits to develop other wrap-around services and programs that are needed by the homeless. These include providing physical and mental health care to improve wellness and help clients on the path to self-sufficiency.
The popular Sunday dinner program that brought the housed and unhoused together began in her backyard, and continues to take place at our village each week.
“For these accomplishments and Annie’s tireless work the Board of HAS is eternally grateful.”
Nordquist has previously served as the Vice President of HAS, the Chairperson of the Board, Program Developer, and the Chair of the Planning and Programs Committee.
James Whittaker will continue to serve as board chair, Barry Tanis is treasurer, Constance Bennett is Secretary, and Petra Longley chairs the marketing and fundraising committee.
HAS and the Sonoma Community Center will be hosting an exhibit called “Invisible Neighbors” featuring photographic portraits of and information about local homeless or recently homeless individuals. The exhibit opens March 7, 5:00 pm at the Community Center at 276 E. Napa St., Sonoma, CA 95476.
More information about HAS is available on the website, www.hassonoma.org.
Annie is and always be the person that helped and me get full time work and continues to inspire my sobriety and am so grateful. Thank you annie