New Shelter Mangement to Focus on Client Care, Transitions

Following the in March, Sonoma Overnight Support, a ten-bed emergency homeless shelter owned by the City of Sonoma, has appointed a new board president and named a new shelter director.

Long time Sonoma Valley activist, Lisa Leeb will take over as the shelter's executive director, while Brown Baggers founder - and former Sonoma Alcaldessa - Elizabeth Kemp will step up as president of the board.

The two women are long time sheter board members and together run Sonoma's the area's only soup kitchen.

"I’m excited, I’m really excited for the possibilities that lie ahead," said Leeb.  "Once we get things here running smoothly and we’re back into compliance with the county then we’d really like to work at expanding and providing additional services."

Joe Shea and the Rev David McCracken have been named co-vice presidents of the board and Lora Grimes has been named board secretary.

Citing a variety of irreconcilable differences with the board, S.O.S. Executive Director Bill Burrell turned in his resignation in early March - with S.O.S Board President Sy Lenz, quickly following.

The qualms, Burrell said, stemmed from differing views of client care - namely Burrell felt he was doing enough client for the short-term emergency shelter, while board members felt that more services were necessary.

As executive director, Leeb plans to make regular client meetings - with clear checkpoints and goals - a cornerstone of the shelter's program.

"Having clients much more accountable at the shelter, so there’s – I don’t want to say stricter guidelines – but they definitely have to adhere with the rules and regulations," said Leeb.

Leeb also has high hopes for community outreach ("I want everyone to know that we do have a homeless shelter in Sonoma") and would like to raise funds to create local programs catering to substance abuse.

Though the short-term shelter only offers a few weeks of residence for its clients, by helping them manuver the system, the shelter can help residents transition out.

"Being able to direct them to the proper organization and agency and going through the steps with them: it's important so they don’t fall through the cracks," said Leeb.

A fundraiser on behalf of the Haven homeless shelter will be hosted at the home of Jon and Lisa Leeb on Sunday, May 22 , from 2-6 p.m. at their home on 1525 N. Castle Road,  Sonoma.  To find out more about the shelter RSVP by calling 925) 216-5881