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…

Meet Steve Orwig, a dedicated Case Manager at the Mather Family Transitional Program, whose journey into social services began with a background in criminal justice. Steve initially worked as a probation officer and held various roles in law enforcement, but his true passion was discovered when he joined Volunteers of America over ten years ago. Steve is known for his signature tie-dye shirts, which serve as an icebreaker for children in the program. “Tie-dye is an easy drawing for kids who are having some issues, crying, whatever. They see the tie-dye and they’re just, ‘Oh my God, that looks so…

Melissa Amaro, an Intake Screening Specialist for Supportive Services for Veterans and Families, exemplifies dedication and compassion in her role. At the front desk, she is often the first point of contact for veterans seeking assistance, offering a warm welcome and crucial support. “I greet everybody that walks through the door,” she says, highlighting the importance of making individuals feel valued from the moment they enter. Melissa values the sense of community her work fosters, finding immense satisfaction in helping individuals rebuild their lives. “It’s really good to feel that…sense of local community and being able to help people.”  Her journey…

Volunteers of America has received a renewed grant from The Home Depot Foundation to support Guard and Reservist service members lacking VA benefits.