Rainbow House Family Shelter, the sole family shelter in the Napa Valley, plays a pivotal role in supporting families in the community. The shelter has seven rooms, each varying in size to accommodate the diverse needs of families. The shelter also features an ADA-compliant room and a smaller space designed for mothers in their final trimester of pregnancy. The shelter provides breakfast and brunch items, along with a big kitchen where families can cook.
“Rainbow House addresses the immediate needs by trying to figure out what resources the families need in order to be successful while they're here,” said Tara Ledezma, Site Supervisor of Rainbow House. “As far as the long-term needs, before the families are exiting, we typically just check in with the family and make sure that they still have their basic needs met. So, when they leave, offering them more resources or letting them know that if they do need things when they leave, they can always reach back out, and we can see how we can assist them.” Said Tara.
The Rainbow House staff try to build strong bonds and connections with the families that stay at the shelter. They want to make sure families always feel comfortable and can ask for help and resources when needed. Rainbow house has many connections with different agencies that during the holidays the families are really taking care of through donations, toy, coat, and blanket drives.
“I just try to welcome them like if this is their home. I don't like to say shelter because they already know it's a shelter, so I always say house, The Yellow House. I tell them that I want them to feel like they're part of a family when they come here. Because this is a family. I do have to go home every day, but I do can come back and if they need anything, to let me know right away. Anything to make them feel comfortable,” said Jessica Dominguez, a participant advocate at Rainbow House.
“I just want to share that we're really blessed to work for this organization that's all about sharing love and compassion with others. And I couldn't do it without my team and with Cynthia.” said Tara.
“This job is my calling. I love it. I wish I would’ve started a long time ago in this type of work.” said Jessica
