COTS Rising to the Challenge of the Times with Integrity Houses

The extended recession has resulted in a 40 percent increase in homelessness around Sonoma County. To meet the need, , which runs the 300 plus bed Mary Isaak shelter and a variety of supportive programs, is putting its energy on doubling the number of “Integrity Houses” in Petaluma.

Working together with local landlords, Integrity Houses are homes throughout the community where COTS “graduates” live with others who are in transition, sharing not only rent and chores, but also meals and conversation.

“What we're seeing is really a cultural shift away from a separate home for each person, and more of a coming together, to live together, to eat together and to help each other,” says John Records, executive director of COTS, calling the trend "a silver lining" in this economic crisis.

Integrity Houses provide much-needed assistance with housing, but they also help landlords fill vacancies. More importantly, all tenants have been whetted by COTS and nearly all are graduates of Rent Right, a nine-week program where participants learn how to budget their expenses, improve their credit score and even home maintenance. 

A new “Integrity House” just opened at un undisclosed Petaluma location and COTS is seeking donations, including kitchen items, living room furniture, a TV and computer, a bathroom rug set, vacuum cleaner, bookcases and other miscellaneous items. For more information, contact Warren Theuret at wtheuret@cots-homeless.org