Linda Lucia

I’m Linda Lucia from Santa Rosa California. I saw your story in the Press Democrat and I’m truly impressed! I’m reaching out to you because I'm currently working on a project close to my heart, and Richard Ward of Terraform has agreed to help! I’m know you’re familiar with the recent wildfires here in (Sonoma County) California ...before the wildfires in October 2017 we had a 2 percent drop over the last year that still leaves 2,835 people living on the streets or in temporary shelter(May 10, 2017) After the wildfires With more than 3,000 people homeless in 2017, the county's homelessness rate is more than three times the national average as I know you’re aware. The challenges facing the homeless community of Santa Rosa after the fires are as diverse as the community itself.(Oct 28, 2017) I believe in this day and age it’s completely unacceptable that anyone is homeless with all of the resources we’re afforded, and the ability to put a tiny house on public land is a simple solution. That being said I’m asking you for your help with Richard and myself along with our team for the biggest kindness project to date. Currently, in a neighboring city (Sebastopol, I know you know it well 😉) I’m volunteering with a community called Gallen Garden where motor homes are houses. The motor homes have been donated ( I currently have one in my front yard) and after making sure that they are in working order and safe to live in....The motor homes are parked on City property and homeless persons have been afforded the opportunity to live there for free. After the fires, our city, (City of Santa Rosa),and all its public officials promised to make transitional housing available, and to forgo the need for permits.. something they did not follow through on. Burning Man, Burners without Boarders and Carmen Mauk, were Kind enough to arrange for the sleeping pods of Burning Man to be used here as temporary transitional housing being under the impression the city would forgo the need for permits. 60k dollars was spent just shipping them here, and another 20k spent getting the Oasis Village ready for those who needed it most. The city denied the use because they are not mobile... even though the property was secured and donated for use by its owner. Habitat for humanity came and donated trailers for bathroom and showers, and built an additional trailer structure for reading, using computers, and a community space for cooking and being outdoors was also erected with the use of a giant RV parking cover and fake grass. Additional requirements from the city were completed and still the small community space wasn’t opened and available even for day use. The temperature here has reached lows of 31* and the rain and wind relentless since October. My pitch: I’m hoping you’ll be willing to help our team and (Richard who graciously agreed to help) ourselves and this community by helping us to build these perfectly ideal tiny homes. We have some funding, and we have a solid approach for receiving a lot more based on information we’ve discovered about the benefits monies that are to be allocated for just this kind of project. We also know the Redwood Credit Union (who is the first ever private banking institution to hold national disaster funds without transparency or a full accounting of the donated monies). Also, there are tax exemptions for Hospitals and Churches and those monies are supposed to be allocated for just such efforts. In a community benefit fund. The city of Sebastopol has accepted the successful housing and continue to provide resources and grow the RV community known as Gallen Garden. Ok back to my pitch: I’m asking (actually begging) you to consider joining forces and helping us learn to build these tiny homes along side the Project You’re involved with River.....because most homeless are individuals tiny homes fit the bill of need and the families for now we can continue set up in donated motor homes. I’m positive that if we learn to build these out we can offer not only HOMES for the homeless, but eventually jobs building more as we can afford. We would be gifting these tiny homes to a population overlooked in every way for years. These would be safe, new to them, and something they own which would help most as they would be safe, sleeping inside a restore the dignity taken from them on a daily basis. We would request that they voluntarily learn and participate in the building of their home and the homes of other homeless learning to giving back. By building this community we give a chance for this population to feel human again.We would be solving a long overwhelming issue that simply is mentioned but remains unresolved. Please help me help others in a long term way. I’m willing in exchange to make sure you’re getting full media exposure, compensation through donations, participation from myself and other volunteers as Burners without Boarders has already agreed to participate....and well, most importantly a FEEL GOOD that you’re part of a movement to change what has always been considered unchangeable. I’m understand you’re busy and have a project going so I’ll understand if you say no... but please just think about it... really think about the enormous changes that you’d be making by helping us along with Richard and sharing your knowledge and craft... I spent over 25 years in the medical field, and until I picked up a hammer for the first time building a community space for the homeless I never knew what saving a life... truly looked like. I’m praying that you’re thinking “this could work” because I believe you understand that a place to sleep inside, protected from the elements gives us an opportunity to enjoy and thrive on the outside... taking care of ourselves and each other. We’re ready when you are... Richard is coming to Northern California when he’s fished in Flat City....check it out... give him a call or shoot him an email if nothing else... I know it’s a lot to ask... but the homeless population need a HERO.... and if no one else is willing.... why not me? Why not you? Better yet, why not US? This is a simple yet effective and doable solution and it can begin.... with a yes from you. If nothing else allow me to take you and Richard for a great beer at an awesome brewery.... and maybe I might have a chance to talk you into it. I’m going to send you the spec Richard sent from his SIPS guy. Many thanks for reading, and blessings to you in your adventures. ***Remember this adventure is a small part of life’s journey..... let’s make this adventure spectacular! My email: lindalucia3@gmail.com My phone number: 707.478.6002 Blessings, in kindness- Linda LuciaThanks Read More