Safety Net Update
Winter 2021
Nationwide there is a movement to improve communities, rebuild them and make them better. As I reflect on what this means for the Tahoe Truckee community, I recognize the vital role our safety net, community-based organizations play. We know that as a tourist-based economy, greater economic fluctuations make it harder for our community members to get by. We also know that in communities with soaring home prices, homelessness increases. And yet, our Collaborative partners have been resilient in their response to improve our community’s well-being and to feed and shelter our most vulnerable community members. By the end of the year, our partners provided affordable housing to 288 households, including 26 individuals who were previously homeless. We reflect on the responsive role our hunger-relief providers played in recent catastrophic wildfires. And we are grateful for the mental health providers who continue to work through waitlists and provide innovative programs.
Together we are moving the needle to ensure that all residents have access to affordable housing, health care, nourishing food, affordable and quality childcare, and mental health support.
Alison Schwedner, Director of Community Collaborative of Tahoe Truckee
Well-Being & Mental Health
The Tahoe Truckee region has been designated a Mental Health Professional Shortage Area by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and doesn’t have enough Spanish speaking providers. Telehealth and peer-based services are helping to fill the gap.
55 community members participated in family strengthening programs
Sierra Community House
341 one-on-one peer support sessions provided to community members
Sierra Community House
3 new students received therapy in addition to the 76 students who received virtual and in-person therapy last school year
Data is from 9/7/21 to 9/30/21 when school began in the fall
TTUSD Wellness Program
Child Care
There is not sufficient child care availability to meet the need for the number of children under the age of 5 living in our community. In addition, there is a lack of evening and weekend child care options for our families who are working in the service industry. Training more in-home care providers would expand availability.
2 licensed child sites in Eastern Nevada County had to close (one permanently and one became inactive due to COVID)
Sierra Nevada Children’s Services
14 Spanish speaking caregivers participated in virtual early literacy training
Placer County Office of Education
Housing Stability
Of our region’s workforce, 54% of households are inadequately housed, which means that they are spending more than 30% of their income on housing, living with more than one person per room, and/or living in housing that lacks plumbing or kitchen facilities. New programs and services are providing housing opportunities to our most vulnerable community members.
932 visits from 133 guests over 47 days at the Respite Day Center
North Tahoe - Truckee Homeless Services, AMI Housing, Inc.
161 new units of affordable housing opened in Truckee
Mountain Housing Council
61 individuals experiencing homelessness received case management service
North Tahoe-Truckee Homeless Services, AMI Housing, Inc.
21 community members received legal assistance and conflict resolution around Landlord Tenant Law
Sierra Community House (March 2020-June 30, 2021)
19 individuals experiencing homelessness assisted to move into permanent housing
Truckee Homeless Services, AMI Housing, Inc
2 households received direct rental assistance for $2,910
Sierra Community House
Hunger Security
Food insecurity has not waned since it surged amid the Coronavirus pandemic. In Eastern Placer County, more households applied for CalFresh benefits in September than any other month in 2021. Providers continue to distribute food weekly and provide community food programs.
172,937 meals provided to families
Sierra Community House (88,209)
Tahoe Truckee Unified School District (75,000)
Sierra Senior Services (9,728)
1,143 Giving Boxes distributed
including 512 to Caldor Fire victims, 400 to Reno and Gardnerville evacuation centers, and 120 to Grizzly Flats
Tahoe Food Hub
4,788 lbs of Truckee Sourdough Bread rescued
Feed Truckee
116 households in Eastern Placer County applied for CalFresh benefits
Placer County
*Data is collected by agencies that use different sources and timing. These statistics represent our best understanding of community data as of July 1-September 30, 2021
OUR PARTNERS
Community Collaborative of Tahoe Truckee (CCTT) is comprised of over 45 health, education, and social service organizations and coalitions who have worked together for more than 20 years to address the complex issues and fundamental needs of community members in North Tahoe-Truckee.
View Partner ListEmergency Response Fund
Together, we have invested more than $2 million in stabilizing, strengthening and scaling the work of our safety net. However, our safety net providers are still struggling to meet the high demand that has not diminished.
The Tahoe Truckee Emergency Response Fund provides flexible resources to nonprofit organizations that are directly helping the community through the COVID-19 crisis. If you have anything to give, please consider donating to help our community through these tough times.