“Warm Support; No Judgement!” — Sierra Roots Feeds Nevada City’s Hungry

NEVADA CITY — Several non-profits work to address homelessness in western Nevada County. Among them, Sierra Roots stands out for its deep commitment to meeting folks exactly where they are.

For over ten years Dianne Weichel has shown up every Thursday as part of a volunteer team offering a free, hot, home-cooked meal to anyone who turns up. Ultra-basics, like toothbrushes, socks, and easy-to-carry snacks and food, are typically available as well. Requests for other supplies are met whenever possible. One holiday meal this winter featured loaded backpacks, conceived and donated by a lunch volunteer, as a Christmas present for each participant.

The organization was formed in 2011 by Janice O’Brien, who saw clearly that personal interaction and friendship were a more lasting, if slower, way to help bring chronically homeless individuals back into society with dignity and acceptance.

Weichel was “recruited” after she and her husband retired to Grass Valley that year. Looking for a way to volunteer in the community, she says, “I had never been exposed to homelessness in my entire life and was a bit apprehensive.” That has plainly changed. Today she is a trusted, warm presence setting clear, firm limits that can include the friendly reminder, “That’s not the kind of language we use here.” “Well- behaved dogs are welcome on leash, but young puppies need to be held.”

Weichel reflects that “Sierra Roots is a nonprofit with a philosophy of no judgement. It does not try to fix anyone; they are accepted as they are. Indeed, possibly the most important offering is a warm, individual welcome.” She knows the “regulars” (and their dogs) by name, knows their stories and their challenges, celebrates their successes. She respects their ability to make their own decisions, even when she might wish for different choices.

Weichel comments, “It takes a village to do what we do, and I believe Sierra Roots has the best village. And we have fun. Our participants are loving and appreciative of what we do.” It’s clear that the woman many call “Mom” returns that appreciation and love. She says, “They make my heart smile.”

Although her title is Lunch and Clothing Manager (as well as Board Member), in a small outfit with no office, whose only paid staff is the part-time bookkeeper, Weichel routinely pitches in everywhere. She regularly hits thrift stores looking for shoes and stops at the Food Bank for supplementary supplies. Scheduling cooking/serving volunteers and interfacing with the program location’s landlord also fall to her, not to mention making time for a nosy reporter!

Tuesday mornings find her at Sierra Roots’ public awareness desk in the foyer of Madelyn Helling Library in Nevada City. Armed with a warm smile, a pile of brochures, and a basket of snacks, she relishes chatting with anyone who passes through. The initial reaction is often, “What’re ya selling?” The friendly response is, “Nothing.” Aware that the larger community is often unacquainted with Sierra Roots, she appreciates the chance to “spread the word.”

And… dismayed by the real risk of death for those unhoused in winter storms, Sierra Roots first implemented the Extreme Weather Shelter in 2013 to offer a safe retreat in icy weather or extreme heat. The occasional shelter has been widely admired for the participatory relationships between shelter volunteers and chronically homeless participants.

Naturally, Weichel is up to her chin in supporting that program. It’s not ‘officially’ her turf, and Nevada County and Nevada City both now formally back the emergency shelter. But when the weather turns rough, Weichel is in the thick of things, jettisoning her intended personal schedule to ensure folks she cares about have a safe place to sleep, nourishing food, and individual attention.

She summarizes with a warm smile, “I can honestly say that finding Sierra Roots (or Janice finding me) has been the most rewarding work I have ever done in my life.”

For more information check out sierra-roots.org or phone (530) 751-3263.