Success in SoCo: Melanie's Story

"The Labath Landing EIH Program is the first program of its kind in Rohnert Park and has provided a place for participants, many from the Safe Sleeping Program - formerly known as the Robert Lake Encampment - a place to feel safe, regroup, and get assistance for the next leg of their permanent housing journey. Throughout the first year, Labath Landing has seen remarkable success in bringing these journeys to a successful conclusion: with 46% of those who have left the program moving into permanent housing." - Julian Elliot (Director, Emergency Housing Division) 

 

When Melanie became homeless for the first time in her life, she found herself sleeping at the Robert’s Lake Park and Ride, a homeless encampment in Rohnert Park. Now, she lives at Labath Landing, HomeFirst’s first Emergency Interim Housing Site (EIH) in Sonoma County. With the stability that Labath Landing has provided, Melanie can now think about her next steps and how to secure permanent housing. 

 

Melanie first learned about HomeFirst from our Outreach Team which would frequent the encampment at Robert’s Lake. Our staff would bring meals, clothing, and blankets to the camp, build relationships with the people staying there, and share information about HomeFirst’s services. The Outreach Team also informed people about Labath Landing, HomeFirst’s EIH which was not yet open, but was set to launch in October of 2022. 

 

When Melanie was offered a spot at Labath Landing, she was thrilled, as she was eager to get off the streets. Now, she has lived at the EIH for almost one year. Melanie feels grateful to have a roof over head, a safe place to sleep, and heat and air-conditioning. She has made her space feel like her own by decorating it with personal photos and hanging plants, and she knows many of her neighbors.  

 

Melanie’s ultimate goal is to find a permanent apartment to call home. With the stability that Labath Landing provides and the help of her case manager, this goal is certainly attainable.