El Dorado County Community Service & Support Digest

Those experiencing homelessness in El Dorado County can utilize the new navigation center and shelter in Placerville. Approximately 511 of El Dorado County's residents are experiencing homelessness, according to the 2022 point-in-time count.

The new El Dorado County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors president drew upon history to emphasize what's unique about El Dorado County.

The city is looking to fill 15 seats on various committees and commissions, including the Planning Commission and the Placerville Economic Advisory Committee.

The group is expanding its “Pet Pantry” program, which helps owners keep their pets despite financial hardships or other barriers.

The mission of the Kiwanis International organization is to strengthen the community and serve children. In meeting these goals, Kiwanis Club of Tahoe Sierra participates in various service events.

In 2012, the South Tahoe Women’s Center was rebranded “because violence and abuse doesn’t discriminate between gender, race, socio-economic status, and the name is a message in itself .” It is one of the longest-standing nonprofits on the South Shore.

Tanish Shenoy has had a heart for giving since he played elf to his father’s Santa to distribute gifts at local toy drives.

The Georgetown Nature Area is a local treasure located behind the Georgetown School of Innovation and is well-loved by regular visitors. Several annual events are hosted in the park.

The inaugural Gather for Good Gala will be coming to South Tahoe on Dec. 3, to benefit children globally. The event is being presented by Mom’s House for Children.

The nonprofit Tahoe Fund announced that five new members—Invited for their leadership in the corporate and nonprofit sectors—have joined its board.

Each fall the California Retired Teachers Association, Division 73 of El Dorado County, creates baskets for You Are Not Alone—a program providing daily telephone safety check-in calls to residents age 60 and older.

Joe Hall had just journeyed from Pollock Pines to Placerville via Apple Hill in his trip across the United States to raise awareness for the mental health crisis.

On Oct. 15 the IOOF Hall was dedicated as a California historical landmark. The event had originally been scheduled for Sept. 24, but was postponed because of the Mosquito Fire.

A class of senior peer counselors, recently graduated, are ready to provide confidential, one-on-one supportive help to seniors 55 years and older throughout the county. The volunteers, also 55-plus, are overseen by a licensed therapist.

Travel North Tahoe Nevada will once again celebrate the Fourth of July in 2023 with a drone show. Organizers are seeking business and individual financial support for the show.

The Tahoe Fund announced the start of “Plates for Powder,” an annual program that offers free skiing opportunities to those who pay for a Lake Tahoe license plate.

Since 2012, many have joined the philanthropic movement known as Giving Tuesday, created in the wake of Black Friday, as a day to raise money for charity.

A pair of Nonprofit Speed Dating events held recently by the El Dorado Community Foundation on the east and west slopes of the county successfully encouraged many to join local boards.

Placer Community Foundation has launched the Mosquito Fire Relief Fund to accept donations from those who wish to support local fire victims. Dollars raised by the fund will be mobilized at the earliest opportunity to meet the greatest needs.

The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency Governing Board has recognized seven projects and programs for exceptional environmental design and stewardship of Lake Tahoe.

Embracing the idea that “it takes a village” to rebuild after a disaster, the Caldor Survivors’ Community Tool Shed is coming to Somerset. This library-like lending resource will celebrate its grand opening on Aug. 19, one year after the Caldor Fire destroyed 406 residences and burned a total of 221,000 acres.

The El Dorado Community Foundation is hosting an event to match those interested in serving on a board for a nonprofit group. The event, held from 6-8 p.m. Sept. 28, will match nonprofits with community members.

An increase in homelessness and impacts from the Caldor Fire has the Upper Room Dining Hall making plans to expand its dining hall and kitchen services. The nonprofit served around 76,000 meals in 2021.

For those living in wildfire-ravaged regions, help might be on the way. Covered California recently announced an application window for victims of wildfires, as well as those who live in fire-prone regions, to apply for assistance.

The Placerville City Council has established a grant funding program for nonprofits, and groups can apply for up to $1,000. These Community Promotions Grants will focus on projects that support historic preservation of Placerville, tourism or town beautification.

Members of the Washoe Tribe spent the day restoring a garden that has been neglected over the past decade. The Washoe Tending and Gathering Garden was initially funded by a grant to preserve Washoe culture, and the area is coming back to life thanks to these volunteers.

Just because school is out doesn’t mean students don’t need essential social and emotional resources. Black Oak Mine Unified School District has a partnership with Sierra Child & Family Services to provide 24-hour help for families who struggle.

El Dorado County Public Housing Authority will distribute 70 emergency housing vouchers via the Front Door. Those eligible for the vouchers include both individuals and families who are homeless, have fled domestic violence, and other unstable/dangerous situations.

The El Dorado County Senior Nutrition Program is seeking dedicated volunteers for its home-delivered meals program. Each volunteer generally works one day each week on an assigned route, delivering meals between 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.

After two years of packing food for distribution each week, Bread & Broth plans to return to cooking hot meals and serving guests—but the group is in need of volunteers.

Working with the USDA and the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians Tribal Fire Department, the Food Bank of El Dorado County developed the Elder Outreach Program, which improves the health and nutrition of senior citizens.

Joyce Raley Teel, former majority owner of Raley’s and a Sacramento-area philanthropist, has died at 91. The only child of founder Thomas P. Raley, she used to work at the first store in Placerville.