Santa Rosa day-use center for homeless women and children now offers housing

The Living Room, since 1993 a safe place in central Santa Rosa for homeless women and children to drop in for support and resources and something to eat, is now providing low-cost housing.

A loan from a supporter allowed the nonprofit to purchase a small home near the Living Room day center on Cleveland Avenue, north of College Avenue.

Karen FitzGerald, who leads the nonprofit’s board of directors, said two women with children are sharing the house and paying rent. Soon, she said, a second house, this one located within the Living Room complex, will be made available to women.

Also on the grounds are a commercial kitchen, showers and laundry facilities, classrooms and space for a parenting program, mental health counseling and other activities and services.

FitzGerald said women who live in the house near the center or who found housing with the help of The Living Room staffers are set to speak at an anniversary luncheon on Feb. 13 at the Friedman Event Center.

The public is invited to come at 11:30 a.m., dine and hear about what The Living Room has achieved in its first 25 years, including its new role as a provider of affordable rentals.

People who’d like to attend are asked to RSVP by email as soon as possible to info@thelivingroomsc.org or by calling the Living Room office at 707-579-0138.

Though there is no charge for the lunch, donations to the program will be accepted.

You can reach Staff Writer Chris Smith at 707-521-5211 and chris.smith@pressdemocrat.com