May Match Challenge - Donations Doubled by Local Donors to Help Homeless Neighbors

Local Donors Offer ‘May Match Challenge’ to Increase Support to Homeless Families and Individuals in Need
Donations Doubled to Hospitality House through May 31

Grass Valley, Calif. (May 1, 2025) – The opportunity to improve lives is here. Local community members have stepped forward to support their neighbors in need through a generous initiative known as the “May Match Challenge” for Hospitality House. The initiative will run until May 31, offering to match all monetary donations made to Hospitality House, Nevada County’s leading emergency shelter for the homeless population, dollar for dollar. This means that every contribution can go twice as far; $50 becomes $100, providing 40 hot meals for shelter guests.

Last fiscal year, Hospitality House served 869 individuals - an increase from the previous year’s 737 people, stretching resources amidst dwindling public funding for emergency shelters. “We remain committed to serving those in need and will continue working towards the vision where every person in Nevada County has a place to call home,” said Nancy Baglietto, executive director of Hospitality House. “Everyone deserves a safe place to sleep and nutritious food to eat. Hospitality House provides that necessary support to help individuals get back on their path to stability.”

Offering a comprehensive range of individualized services to assist those experiencing homelessness, Hospitality House provides shelter, nutritional meals, help with rental deposits, wrap-around case management services, access to healthcare and more – all aimed at empowering individuals to regain their independence and self-sufficiency.

To demonstrate the impact of Hospitality House, consider the story of John Burrill. He slipped into homelessness after the unexpected loss of his wife, with whom he had shared 23 years of marriage. Burrill was no stranger to grief; he had previously endured the loss of an infant son. However, losing his wife left him feeling utterly alone and devastated. Compounding his emotional turmoil, Burrill found himself unable to manage life on a single income, leading to unresolved bills and mounting pressure.

As his situation worsened, Burrill lost all motivation, stopped going to work, and ultimately lost his apartment. He began living in his car. During this desperate time, Burrill met a compassionate police officer who referred him to Hospitality House. Feeling lonely, afraid, and overwhelmed with grief, Burrill arrived at the shelter seeking support. The community became like family, providing him with space and time to mourn and rebuild his life. He was thankful to have his basic needs met – a safe place to sleep, healthy food, and a bathroom. “These are all things we take for granted,” he said.

With the help of his case manager, Jessica Wright, Burrill began to explore his options. Wright discovered that he was entitled to survivor benefits from his wife’s pension and had access to two retirement accounts. She also facilitated appointments to repair his car and renew the registration, as he wanted to sell his vehicle and create a cushion for living expenses moving forward.

Today, Burrill has secured a cozy studio apartment in a 55+ community in Grass Valley. Wright connected him with a payee services company that effectively manages his finances, ensuring his bills are paid and helping him live within his means. Burrill feels settled in his new home and hopeful for the future, stating, “I am more than thankful. I don’t know where I would be without the help of Hospitality House.”

In the last fiscal year, Hospitality House housed 276 individuals and prepared 81,701 meals. However, the need is still great. Community support is essential to continue providing these vital services, especially given the current instability in public funding. Together, we can make a significant difference.

To participate in this limited-time match opportunity, donate online at hhshelter.org, by phone at 530-615-0852, or by mail at 1262 Sutton Way, Grass Valley, CA 95945. Local donors will DOUBLE donations made by May 31, increasing the impact of each gift!