Brigit Barnes, co-founder, Right Hand Auburn

Private Efforts for Public Good

Auburn citizens turn defunct prison into needed shelter

A wearisome, vicious cycle was emerging with Auburn’s homeless population: Greater numbers were congregating on the streets by day and filling the DeWitt minimum security prison by night. Neither the city nor the county had adequate housing or facilities to deal with the situation, so the problem persisted. Residents were frustrated, but nothing was done. A group of community members vowed to act and started a grassroots effort that has culminated in turning the partially vacated barracks at DeWitt into a fully-staffed, round-the-clock facility open to Auburn’s homeless.

Dec 22, 2015 Laurie Lauletta-Boshart
Alex Aguiar, founder of Tent Pals, can be reached at ajaguiar7@gmail.com

Friends with Tents

Tent Pals lets buyers donate temporary housing to those in need

While studying abroad at the London School of Economics, UC Davis grad Alex Aguiar befriended a young homeless girl. He found her sleeping beneath an overpass, using folded cardboard to keep the cold concrete from chilling her body. Aguiar could not get the girl’s plight out of his mind. To understand his market, Aguiar spent the night with the homeless community, learning their stories and about what might help them. That’s when the idea for Tent Pals was born

Dec 22, 2015 Laurie Lauletta-Boshart
Design by Zuza Hicks; elements from Shutterstock

Let’s Get Functional

3 tips for better board performance

Most board members join an organization for the right reasons, but many fail to make a meaningful impact. Meanwhile, executive directors complain their board lacks engagement and makes unreasonable demands. Obviously, a disconnect exists, but this scenario has a solution and can be fixed. Here’s how:

Jun 18, 2015 Kim Tucker
Good Shepherd Catholic Church, Elk Grove(Photo: Russell Abraham Photography)

Sacred Spaces

Houses of worship that are worthy of praise

Houses of worship are an important element in Sacramento’s architectural history. From century-old churches to facilities that incorporate modern and sustainable technologies, religious buildings knit together the very fabric of the communities they serve. Here, we feature five local houses of worship, each with its own unique story.

Jun 16, 2015 Laurie Lauletta-Boshart