Jade laughs when she describes her life before Open Arms as “wild”—but not the good kind of wild. “There was no consistency, no peace. I was lonely as hell.” Years of ping-ponging between the Bay Area and Florida, dealing with messy family stuff, losing people she loved, struggling with substances—it all came to a head. She had two choices: keep fighting everything or learn to let go. “I picked surrender. I had to trust that I’d be okay.” But surrender didn’t make the hard parts disappear. Jade had to say goodbye to people who couldn’t accept her as a trans…

VOA has been selected by Washoe County to oversee operations at the Our Place shelter.

Discover how our work is changing lives in this Sacramento Bee “Book of Dreams” feature.

Northern California MLK 365: 43rd Annual March for the Dream | A four-mile march celebrating King’s life and legacy. More details HERE 7th Annual MLK, Jr. Day March and Family Celebration | “Attaining the Beloved Community”, food vendors, and community booths. Register HERE. 6th Annual MLK Day of Service and Celebration | This year we will be hosting a blood drive on-site at the School of Law on MLK Day. Additionally, we are organizing a donation drive for Umoja International Academy in East Sacramento.  More details HERE Additional events in Northern California: More details HERE Northern Nevada 39th Annual Interfaith…

Dedra Russell’s 30-year journey with VOA is a testament to resilience, compassion, and the power of second chances. Her story began as a young mother in the Options Program for women and children. While participating, she gave birth to her son, Brandon, one of the program’s first babies. “They made me feel like family,” Dedra recalls, cherishing the support and kindness shown by the staff. Inspired to give back, Dedra joined VOA in 1993 as support staff, starting a career defined by her passion for helping others. Over the years, she advanced through roles like children’s services coordinator and case…

We are excited to share that our organization has been featured in the latest issue of Comstock’s Magazine!

The Village on Sage Street in Reno has expanded its affordable housing capacity by nearly 50%, adding 96 new single-occupancy units to its existing 216.

VOA houses and shelters more than 1,000 people in Northern Nevada each night. Your generous support helps us move people like Gena from homelessness to independence with love and dignity.  Gena experienced significant challenges throughout the past 12 years. She was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in 2012. She returned to work in 2021 a few years later with a part-time job. But in 2023 her world was turned upside down again when she was diagnosed with a rare blood cancer that metastasized in her lungs. Gena went through intense chemotherapy, lost her job, her home, and nearly lost her…

Meet Whitney Aguirre, Lead Support Staff at El Dorado Navigation Center in Placerville. Whitney’s personal experience with homelessness fuels her passion for her work. “I know what it’s like, and I care about them deeply,” she says. Whitney spent three years working at a nomadic shelter, which inspired her to join NCNN and pursue a career helping the homeless. “I felt lucky and honored to be given the lead support staff position,” she shares. Her role ensures that the shelter operates smoothly, providing essential services like mental health support, medical care, and case management. Her lived experience allows her to…

Heather Bolen is the Community Administrator for Sierra Manor One and Two in Reno, overseeing 187 units of affordable senior and disability housing. What sets Heather apart is her dedication to helping those in need. “I love that we are providing affordable housing for those who so desperately need it,” she says, highlighting the importance of her work as the Baby Boomer generation continues to age. Heather’s journey with VOA began after researching the organization. “When I researched VOA and found out everything they do, everything they stand for, and how long they’ve been around, I felt like this was a company I…