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We believe transformation happens within the context of community and healthy relationships. Guests are welcomed to The Gathering Inn and begin their journey out of homelessness. Guests experience acceptance, security, and encouragement. Lives are impacted and joy is shared.

Jason's story

they saw something in me

Jason explained, “I wasn’t really living. I was just letting myself be taken over by the streets. There was just no escaping it.” Jason identifies himself as an alcoholic. But twenty years prior, his life was good: He had a wife, a daughter, a nice place to live along with a steady job in Roseville, California. Jason admits he let alcohol get the best of him to mask his depression. Then in 2007, his wife had enough of his drinking and divorced him. After that Jason confessed, “I basically became a homeless drunk.” After the loss of his mom, Jason’s drinking intensified, and he soon found himself homeless on the streets of Roseville. Jason admits that he didn’t enjoy being homeless. Every day was a struggle just to survive. In 2018, he found The Gathering Inn. He remembers, “They saw something in me I didn’t see in myself.” Since 2021,with the supportive resources of The Gathering Inn’s mental wellness program, Jason has worked hard to stay sober and face his challenges. The case managers and behavioral therapist helped him set goals, find employment, and take responsibility for his choices and his life. According to Jason, the best part of his recovery is that he and his daughter have reconnected. Jason now identifies as a recovering alcoholic with a supportive family who cares for his well-being.

Charity's story

my most important walk

After falling asleep behind a bush and getting drenched by the sprinklers in the middle of the night, I decided my life hit the very depths of rock bottom. Depleted, I found myself freezing and hungry with no family, no friends, and no resources. I trusted no one and no one trusted me for good reason. I cheated, lied, and stole to feed my drug addiction. I was a slave to one bad choice after the next bad choice.

I had enough! I set all my hopes and determination to making it to The Gathering Inn where I had heard I could get help. I set out on what would be the most difficult and yet most important walk of my life. I was at least 15 miles away. My feet were bare and bloody by the time I finally made it to The Gathering Inn. I approached the doors where I was given the routine blood test which revealed drugs were still in my system. I was lovingly told I would need to wait three days for another chance to test again. Still determined to become a Gathering Inn guest, I found my way to a familiar house for addicts where I hid three days inside a dark closet hoping no one would discover me and kick me out onto the streets.
‍
Finally, I was welcomed into the safety of The Gathering Inn. I was a guest for exactly 180 days. From the very beginning, I was given acceptance to be authentically me. I no longer needed to hide “my bad.” TGI accepted me just as I was, so no more hiding. This changed my life!

My time with my case manager was invaluable. After assessing my needs, she created an action plan that I was able to work through step by step. I did exactly what she told me to do. Wasting time was not an option. I went to every rehab meeting, I volunteered at the clothes closet, I cleaned the resource center, and my life was given meaning and purpose. Also, for the first time, I felt safe. While being hosted at the churches, I felt loved and cared for. Honestly, I felt the presence of God closer than ever before.

I became stable, strong, and resolved to be independent and free – no longer a slave. I humbly and gratefully received housing upon graduating from the program. I had employment and health insurance and was able to smile with my head held high.

Today, I enjoy a career as an insurance agent and broker with Acceptance Insurance. I remain grateful for their belief in me. I also enjoy relationships with my parents and my sons. I also have a new family of friends within my church. I will always be grateful for the long walk to The Gathering Inn. The love, acceptance, and care I received allowed me to heal and find my true self that is capable of achievement and service. May others who are struggling, decide to take the walk. It is long and requires determination, but it will lead to new beginnings once you safely arrive.

marvin's story

The happiest of goodbyes

It was with a sense of excitement that our 76-year-old guest Marvin Skellenger left the familiarity of The Gathering Inn. Although Marvin left our gates many times before, this time was different. Rather than returning to the streets, Marvin decided it was time to be reunited with his once estranged family. So it was with happiness, we bid Marvin an enthusiastic and fond farewell.

Knowing Marvin’s change of heart, the TGI team rallied together and quickly purchased a plane ticket to send Marvin to his once called hometown in Idaho. It was here that Marvin’s newly widowed sister welcomed her brother home. In fact, Marvin’s sister wasted no time scheduling a family fishing trip in anticipation of his arrival.

When asked what was the greatest lesson that he learned while staying at The Gathering Inn, Marvin reflected and then quickly answered, “They showed me that homeless people can change and become successful.” He continued to explain that the joy he saw amongst the TGI staff increased his motivation to seek stable housing and family reunification. Additionally, Marvin believes he benefitted greatly from the time and tools he was given to “get himself together,” heal spiritually and establish healthy friendships. Marvin stopped grieving over the past and welcomed restoration and second chances with a newly found positive outlook. The Gathering Inn has learned much from Marvin as well. Marvin has taught us to persist in hope and the potential found in new beginnings at any age. We discovered the power of generosity and kindness cannot be underestimated. Not only was Marvin escorted to the airport, but he was also given new clothes along with a sense of confidence knowing that people genuinely cared about him and his journey home.

This is why Marvin’s goodbye was indeed happy!

Headshot of Marvin, a guest at The Gathering Inn

laurie's story

secure at last

It is hard to imagine the depth of her loneliness as she was directed to the street corner where only a bus stop awaited. Having just been released from the hospital in a wheelchair, recovering from an ankle injury with only a backpack in her possession, Laurie found herself homeless, vulnerable, and despairing. Isolated from family and friends, she experienced four long days of homelessness. Threatened by the nighttime, she drank coffee under the shelter of a gas station and tried to stay awake. The pain in her ankle was excruciating and intensified as she waited to find a safe place to sleep.

As one could imagine, when space opened at The Gathering Inn’s Mid Placer Shelter, Laurie’s life improved as she found the security and assurance for which she longed. A safe and clean environment where she gained acceptance and helpful resources provided her with refreshed peace of mind. Case managers were able to help Laurie navigate and submit housing applications. She was determined to live independently again.

The progress halted when Laurie fell and sustained fractures in her other foot. Finding herself back in the hospital, she remembered the isolation she faced upon her former discharge. But this hospital departure would be different; Laurie was part of The Gathering Inn Family. Laurie was discharged to The Gathering Inn’s Respite Care Program where one who is medically fragile can stay and recuperate. Today Laurie’s recuperation continues; She is healing physically and emotionally. Her wheelchair remains a faithful tool, but she is mostly empowered by the fact that her housing applications move closer to being accepted each day. Her gratitude for the supportive services that strengthened her is evident as she smiles and shares, “God can open doors that no man can close.”

A smiling woman in a wheelchair, who received medical respite care from The Gathering Inn

TGI Reaches Out

its a joy to serve!

We are thankful for opportunities to reach out to the community with a sense of gratitude. The guests at our Auburn Shelter enjoy serving in Regional Park. This gives the guest the ability to give back to the community that has so graciously reached out to them.

Left arrow icon in a circle (in purple color)
Right arrow icon in a circle (in purple color)
Jason
Charity
Marvin
Laurie
TGI Reaches Out
Jason
Charity
Marvin
Laurie
TGI Reaches Out
Left arrow icon in a circle (in purple color)
Right arrow icon in a circle (in purple color)

Jason's story

they saw something in me

Jason explained, “I wasn’t really living. I was just letting myself be taken over by the streets. There was just no escaping it.” Jason identifies himself as an alcoholic. But twenty years prior, his life was good: He had a wife, a daughter, a nice place to live along with a steady job in Roseville, California. Jason admits he let alcohol get the best of him to mask his depression. Then in 2007, his wife had enough of his drinking and divorced him. After that Jason confessed, “I basically became a homeless drunk.” After the loss of his mom, Jason’s drinking intensified, and he soon found himself homeless on the streets of Roseville. Jason admits that he didn’t enjoy being homeless. Every day was a struggle just to survive. In 2018, he found The Gathering Inn. He remembers, “They saw something in me I didn’t see in myself.” Since 2021,with the supportive resources of The Gathering Inn’s mental wellness program, Jason has worked hard to stay sober and face his challenges. The case managers and behavioral therapist helped him set goals, find employment, and take responsibility for his choices and his life. According to Jason, the best part of his recovery is that he and his daughter have reconnected. Jason now identifies as a recovering alcoholic with a supportive family who cares for his well-being.

Charity's story

my most important walk

After falling asleep behind a bush and getting drenched by the sprinklers in the middle of the night, I decided my life hit the very depths of rock bottom. Depleted, I found myself freezing and hungry with no family, no friends, and no resources. I trusted no one and no one trusted me for good reason. I cheated, lied, and stole to feed my drug addiction. I was a slave to one bad choice after the next bad choice.

I had enough! I set all my hopes and determination to making it to The Gathering Inn where I had heard I could get help. I set out on what would be the most difficult and yet most important walk of my life. I was at least 15 miles away. My feet were bare and bloody by the time I finally made it to The Gathering Inn. I approached the doors where I was given the routine blood test which revealed drugs were still in my system. I was lovingly told I would need to wait three days for another chance to test again. Still determined to become a Gathering Inn guest, I found my way to a familiar house for addicts where I hid three days inside a dark closet hoping no one would discover me and kick me out onto the streets.
‍
Finally, I was welcomed into the safety of The Gathering Inn. I was a guest for exactly 180 days. From the very beginning, I was given acceptance to be authentically me. I no longer needed to hide “my bad.” TGI accepted me just as I was, so no more hiding. This changed my life!

My time with my case manager was invaluable. After assessing my needs, she created an action plan that I was able to work through step by step. I did exactly what she told me to do. Wasting time was not an option. I went to every rehab meeting, I volunteered at the clothes closet, I cleaned the resource center, and my life was given meaning and purpose. Also, for the first time, I felt safe. While being hosted at the churches, I felt loved and cared for. Honestly, I felt the presence of God closer than ever before.

I became stable, strong, and resolved to be independent and free – no longer a slave. I humbly and gratefully received housing upon graduating from the program. I had employment and health insurance and was able to smile with my head held high.

Today, I enjoy a career as an insurance agent and broker with Acceptance Insurance. I remain grateful for their belief in me. I also enjoy relationships with my parents and my sons. I also have a new family of friends within my church. I will always be grateful for the long walk to The Gathering Inn. The love, acceptance, and care I received allowed me to heal and find my true self that is capable of achievement and service. May others who are struggling, decide to take the walk. It is long and requires determination, but it will lead to new beginnings once you safely arrive.

marvin's story

The happiest of goodbyes

It was with a sense of excitement that our 76-year-old guest Marvin Skellenger left the familiarity of The Gathering Inn. Although Marvin left our gates many times before, this time was different. Rather than returning to the streets, Marvin decided it was time to be reunited with his once estranged family. So it was with happiness, we bid Marvin an enthusiastic and fond farewell.

Knowing Marvin’s change of heart, the TGI team rallied together and quickly purchased a plane ticket to send Marvin to his once called hometown in Idaho. It was here that Marvin’s newly widowed sister welcomed her brother home. In fact, Marvin’s sister wasted no time scheduling a family fishing trip in anticipation of his arrival.

When asked what was the greatest lesson that he learned while staying at The Gathering Inn, Marvin reflected and then quickly answered, “They showed me that homeless people can change and become successful.” He continued to explain that the joy he saw amongst the TGI staff increased his motivation to seek stable housing and family reunification. Additionally, Marvin believes he benefitted greatly from the time and tools he was given to “get himself together,” heal spiritually and establish healthy friendships. Marvin stopped grieving over the past and welcomed restoration and second chances with a newly found positive outlook. The Gathering Inn has learned much from Marvin as well. Marvin has taught us to persist in hope and the potential found in new beginnings at any age. We discovered the power of generosity and kindness cannot be underestimated. Not only was Marvin escorted to the airport, but he was also given new clothes along with a sense of confidence knowing that people genuinely cared about him and his journey home.

This is why Marvin’s goodbye was indeed happy!

Headshot of Marvin, a guest at The Gathering Inn

laurie's story

secure at last

It is hard to imagine the depth of her loneliness as she was directed to the street corner where only a bus stop awaited. Having just been released from the hospital in a wheelchair, recovering from an ankle injury with only a backpack in her possession, Laurie found herself homeless, vulnerable, and despairing. Isolated from family and friends, she experienced four long days of homelessness. Threatened by the nighttime, she drank coffee under the shelter of a gas station and tried to stay awake. The pain in her ankle was excruciating and intensified as she waited to find a safe place to sleep.

As one could imagine, when space opened at The Gathering Inn’s Mid Placer Shelter, Laurie’s life improved as she found the security and assurance for which she longed. A safe and clean environment where she gained acceptance and helpful resources provided her with refreshed peace of mind. Case managers were able to help Laurie navigate and submit housing applications. She was determined to live independently again.

The progress halted when Laurie fell and sustained fractures in her other foot. Finding herself back in the hospital, she remembered the isolation she faced upon her former discharge. But this hospital departure would be different; Laurie was part of The Gathering Inn Family. Laurie was discharged to The Gathering Inn’s Respite Care Program where one who is medically fragile can stay and recuperate. Today Laurie’s recuperation continues; She is healing physically and emotionally. Her wheelchair remains a faithful tool, but she is mostly empowered by the fact that her housing applications move closer to being accepted each day. Her gratitude for the supportive services that strengthened her is evident as she smiles and shares, “God can open doors that no man can close.”

A smiling woman in a wheelchair, who received medical respite care from The Gathering Inn

TGI Reaches Out

its a joy to serve!

We are thankful for opportunities to reach out to the community with a sense of gratitude. The guests at our Auburn Shelter enjoy serving in Regional Park. This gives the guest the ability to give back to the community that has so graciously reached out to them.

The involvement of the community with TGI’s mission is valued beyond measure. We remain grateful for the supportive engagement of the many individuals and organizations who align with our mission, vision, and values. Because of their involvement, we can reach out farther and lift up higher.

saint john's episcopal church

SHARING THE TRANSFORMING LOVE OF JESUS CHRIST

We are so grateful for the faithful ministry of St. John’s Episcopal Church, Roseville, CA. They have opened their doors as well as their hearts to us even through the most challenging times. Saint John’s warm welcome, kindness and hospitality demonstrate their love and commitment to serving the Lord with gladness. Father Cliff is known for his ability to build relationships and his genuine interest in the well-being of our guests. Our gratitude continually overflows for the impact of our many church partners who make a difference throughout The Gathering Inn daily.

reaching out and lifting up

Biweekly clothing closet at the gathering inn

Through abundant generosity from our donors, TGI guests and our neighbors are welcomed to benefit from our biweekly clothing closet.  Clothing and shoes of all sizes, personal hygiene items and more are liberally distributed to meet needs and offer hope. As our guest Michael communicates, new clothes help our guests shine with positivity.

The power of generosity cannot be underestimated as we meet the needs of not only our guests and neighbors in the community, but also of other local nonprofits and schools.

gathering inn med clinic

TGI is thankful to provide a no cost, weekly medical clinic for our TGI guests and anyone in the broader community on Saturdays from 9:00 to 11:00 am at our Roseville campus. This is made possible by a community health investment from Sutter and caring volunteers. We want our guests to know they are valued and cared about.

the power of giving back

Becoming a TGI Serve Partner is a way to invest one's talents into the community while inspiring hope and changing lives. We remain grateful for our Serve Partners who daily

Left arrow icon in a circle (in purple color)
Right arrow icon in a circle (in purple color)
ST. JOHN’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH
Reaching Out and Lifting Up
Gathering Inn med Clinic
The Power of Giving Back
ST. JOHN’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH
Reaching Out and Lifting Up
Gathering Inn med Clinic
The Power of Giving Back
Left arrow icon in a circle (in purple color)
Right arrow icon in a circle (in purple color)

saint john's episcopal church

SHARING THE TRANSFORMING LOVE OF JESUS CHRIST

We are so grateful for the faithful ministry of St. John’s Episcopal Church, Roseville, CA. They have opened their doors as well as their hearts to us even through the most challenging times. Saint John’s warm welcome, kindness and hospitality demonstrate their love and commitment to serving the Lord with gladness. Father Cliff is known for his ability to build relationships and his genuine interest in the well-being of our guests. Our gratitude continually overflows for the impact of our many church partners who make a difference throughout The Gathering Inn daily.

reaching out and lifting up

Biweekly clothing closet at the gathering inn

Through abundant generosity from our donors, TGI guests and our neighbors are welcomed to benefit from our biweekly clothing closet.  Clothing and shoes of all sizes, personal hygiene items and more are liberally distributed to meet needs and offer hope. As our guest Michael communicates, new clothes help our guests shine with positivity.

The power of generosity cannot be underestimated as we meet the needs of not only our guests and neighbors in the community, but also of other local nonprofits and schools.

gathering inn med clinic

TGI is thankful to provide a no cost, weekly medical clinic for our TGI guests and anyone in the broader community on Saturdays from 9:00 to 11:00 am at our Roseville campus. This is made possible by a community health investment from Sutter and caring volunteers. We want our guests to know they are valued and cared about.

the power of giving back

Becoming a TGI Serve Partner is a way to invest one's talents into the community while inspiring hope and changing lives. We remain grateful for our Serve Partners who daily demonstrate kindness as they provide our guests not only with dinner, but also a sense of assurance that they are cared for.