Did you know it costs upwards of $50,000 to help one person find stable housing after they lose their home? Meanwhile, it takes just a couple thousand to help someone deal with an unexpected financial emergency and stay in their home. That is where the Season of Sharing Fund comes in.

Started in 1986, Season of Sharing Fund is a unique, compassionate homelessness prevention model that's powered by donations from Bay Area neighbors helping neighbors. On this episode, we'll look at how the Fund works. We'll introduce you to Season of Sharing Fund's Executive Director Kevin Swanson, as well as Laurel Hill, a longtime partner from Community Action Marin and Susan Malloy, a client who became a Season of Sharing Fund donor.

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SHARING STORIES is a new a series of portraits of people in the Bay Area who have received one-time emergency rental assistance that I working on with the SF Chronicle Season of Sharing Fund.

Rental assistance programs like Season of Sharing Fund are there for people when a month or two of rent can make the difference between staying in their home or becoming unhoused. Ultimately, rental assistance programs help prevent homelessness.

If you or someone you know has experienced an unforeseen crisis and could benefit from one-time financial assistance from the Season of Sharing Fund, learn how to apply.

If you want to hear stories from people who benefited from this safety net, subscribe now wherever you listen to podcasts.

Thanks for listening. And have a safe and happy holiday.

SHARING STORIES: Meet Kevin, Laurel and Susan