Twice as effective

Our programs are twice as effective as the national average.

A 7-state study conducted in 2012 by the National Alliance to End Homelessness indicates that the average success rates for permanent housing placements from emergency shelters and transitional housing programs are 15% and 42% respectively. At COTS:

• 30% of adults in emergency shelter exit into permanent housing and
• 77% of families and adults exit transitional housing into permanent housing!

These success rates are the result of 25 years of research and program development, making COTS a great investment in our community's health.

Source: Data from 14 continuums in seven states that prepared Evaluators for National Alliance to End Homelessness Performance Improvement Clinics in 2011-2012. Compiled by Focus Strategies.

Results

We are pleased to announce our results from fiscal year 2014-2015, ending June 30, 2015. 68% of all children and families at COTS obtained or retained housing. This is no small feat given the challenging housing market in Sonoma County. Read more about our accomplishments last year, as well as the strategic vision to end homelessness for families and veterans.

History

Founded in early 1988, COTS was an expression of Mary Isaak’s and Laure Reichek’s concern for children and adults who were sleeping outdoors in culverts, dumpsters or other unsafe and unsuitable conditions. Reichek and Isaak raised money from private donors, enlisted the support of the faith community and fraternal organizations, educated the larger community, and monitored sleepovers at temporary shelters throughout the city, as they spearheaded the drive for homeless services in Petaluma.

Copperfield’s Bookstore’s basement, the United Methodist Church, Elim Lutheran Church and a house on Howard Street were all early sites for COTS’ homeless shelter.