With the recent fires in Northern California, SHARE Sonoma County implemented the evidenced-based system the organization has used with seniors (since 2014) to provide immediate housing for individuals and families displaced by the fires. Within 24 hours of the fires, community members generously offered their homes, creating 1,100 available homes, and, in response, SHARE Sonoma County mobilized to put people who were displaced into these temporary homes. In its second phase, SHARE Sonoma County placed and continues to place people in longer term housing for 3 to 18 months or more.

“We have an excellent system in place to find housing for those displaced by the fire and for future emergencies,“ said SHARE Sonoma County Executive Director Amy Appleton

Appleton reports, “The people who opened their homes to fire victims are truly generous. They did not succumb to price gouging to take advantage of the shortage of homes. They are the true heroes by recognizing the need and responding with a sense of community. We continue to build the list of people willing to share their homes in the event of another emergency.”