Bingo! Group raises money for community housing needs
CHICO » Bidwell Park rang out with the sound of “Bingo!” Sunday as supporters and staff of Home & Heart gathered together for some spirited Bingo games and to provide information and raise funds for the organization.
According to the organization’s website, Home & Heart is an affordable housing solution that matches adults in Butte County who have a room to share with individuals in need of affordable housing. While they prioritize services for older adults, the program is open to all eligible adults who have room to share (home providers) or those seeking affordable housing (home seekers).
Home share participants receive support throughout the life of the match including mediation or assistance with renegotiating the living together agreement as needed.
The program was originally attended to match seniors with younger folks but since the Camp Fire, services are provided to those young and old needing or providing housing.
Shawn Ramsey attended the event as a first-time home provider hoping to make connections.
“It’s the best way to meet more people,” she said. Ramsey has a couple of people interested in staying at her house, but nothing definite yet. Ramsey, who lives in Paradise, has also worked as a volunteer for the program, providing rides to a woman who has difficulty getting to Chico to do her shopping.
There are three living arrangements available with the organization, according to the website: rent-only, service exchange and a mixed arrangement.
The first is most like a traditional roommate situation with the home seeker paying reasonable monthly rent to the home provider. The second is a no cash rent option which offers home seekers the opportunity to provide services in lieu of cash rent.
The home seeker and home provider negotiate the number of hours and types of services to be exchanged each month based on their specific needs and abilities. The home seeker is still responsible for their portion of utilities and personal expenses. Services may not include personal care such as bathing, toileting or medication management.
The third is a mixed arrangement, with a combination of cash rent and service hours. This is the most common arrangement and offers home providers the benefit of some extra income and household assistance and home seekers pay a much lower monthly. Providers benefit from some extra income and household assistance, and home seekers pay a much lower monthly.
Mollie Murphy attended the event as a supporter.
“I wholly believe in the program and show support where I can,” she said.
According to director Cathryn Carkhuff, who gave a short speech welcoming the Bingo participants, Home & Heart has made six successful housing matches thus far in 2021 and hopes to make 15 before the year is over.
Supporter Caitlyn Patterson won the first Bingo game and was awarded a gift card to Madison Bear Garden as well as a Beatniks Coffee House and Breakfast Joint gift card.
Patterson (probably) smiled behind her mask as she claimed her prize.
“I interned for Home & Heart,” she said. “I’m here to show support.”
Board treasurer Kyle Willman enjoyed playing Bingo and hoped the event would be successful.
“We’re letting people know what we’re doing,” said Willman. “We’re looking for more community engagement and to get folks involved. People need home assists with the housing crisis. It’s so important for people who are in a tight spot.”
There was also a mask contest and opportunities to mix with other Bingo participants.
For more information about Home & Heart, call 591-3742 or visit its website, buttecountyhomeshare.com. Housing applications can be found there. Staff can also be reached by email at homeandheart530@gmail.com.