Christmas in Reno

Did you know that this 2022 Christmas over half a million people in the US were experiencing homelessness? 

The holidays can be a stressful time of year, especially for those isolated from family and friends. 

Our participants in Washoe County’s Cares Campus enjoyed some holiday spirit this year. For those living in the campus’s 600-bed shelter, holiday spirit from our County friends, VOA staff, and volunteers had a lasting impact on those who find themselves alone and struggling. The county Parks and Recreation team brought down Christmas trees for the staff and clients. The staff helped coordinate an ornament decorating station, where clients could paint and hang up their ornaments on the tree.

There was a festive party on Christmas Eve full of music and food. Santa came down to bring some holiday spirit. One of the case managers DJ’d a dance party. The Greater Nevada Hindu Temple brought all the desserts for the party, like pies and cookies, and also served them to the clients. Life Church generously put together care bags filled with snacks, hats, gloves, and handwritten cards from the families at the church.

Stephan Page (VOA Staff) noted, “A lot of people who normally were pretty low, were in high spirits dancing, decorating and having a great time”

Lithia Reno Subarualso made a huge contribution to our Reno residents. The employees at Subaru blessed hundreds of clients living in VOA Shelters, workforce housing, and permanent supportive housing programs with gifts of warmth. This year no one was forgotten due to Reno's giving community.

And, a special thanks to the Reno Toy Run, who once again made sure that every VOA child had toys under their Christmas trees.