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Volunteers raised $210,000 to help Roseville families hit by 'Operation Metro Surge,' speakers tell council
Summary
Volunteers told the Roseville City Council that a community fund called 'Love Pays the Rent' secured more than $210,000 from 500 donors and helped about 132 households; the Wilson Foundation has offered to match new donations dollar-for-dollar through early April.
At the start of the March 23 Roseville City Council meeting, volunteers described a rapid, community-led response to recent housing instability and immigration-related disruptions that have affected families in the city.
“My name is Cathy Romant. I’m from Do Good Roseville,” the speaker said, identifying a community fundraising campaign called the Roseville Housing Stability Fund, known locally as Love Pays the Rent. Romant said 500 donors gave more than $210,000 in January and February and that money helped pay rent for about 132 households.
Volunteer Deb Newell, who said she has devoted full-time hours to on-the-ground support since January, told the council volunteers have been delivering food and supplies, coordinating with property management, providing rides and connecting residents to legal, employment and other services. Newell said volunteers are currently assisting roughly 50 households at a single location and that many families still face immediate needs for rent, utilities, transportation and other basics.
Two detailed examples were given: Newell described a woman who became a single mother of three after her husband was detained by ICE and who now faces bail and lost income; she also described residents who lost work hours, had surgery with no income, or whose cars needed repairs that cost more than half a month’s income.
Romant said the Wilson Foundation will match 100% of donations made during the next six weeks, meaning new gifts will be doubled if given by the announced deadline. “A 100% of anything we raise in the next 6 weeks will be met dollar for dollar from the Wilson Foundation,” Romant said.
Mayor Rowe and council members thanked the volunteers and said the city is working to establish a rental-assistance program, though staff noted some logistical steps remain before the city program is operational.
What happened next: the council heard other agenda items; volunteers were urged to continue outreach and to use DoGoodRoseville.com for donation links and information.
