I was quite fortunate when I was hired as the Executive Director of the Torres Community Shelter to find people working here that were dedicated to the best interests of our Guests. Over the last year, we have even added to the strengths of our staff. The individuals who work at the Shelter never lose sight of the fact that we are here for the Guests and our decisions and approaches reflect that priority. Interacting with dozens of people per day who are in crisis requires exceptional people skills, a considerable degree of emotional intelligence, a strong work ethic and a sincere compassion for the well-being of others. —Brad

Who we are and why we work at the Torres Communtiy Shelter (in progress):

Executive Director

Brad Montgomery: I've been doing nonprofit work for close to 20 years. I've always been motivated by the simple wish to help people and I feel incredibly fortunate that I'm able to make a living and meet my basic needs helping others. I moved to Chico a few years ago after my children were grown and in college and I love Chico. The people in Butte County, the climate and the priorities that our community demonstrates daily make me proud to be a part of what we're doing here. brad@chicoshelter.org 

Service Coordinators

Becky: After years of working in the Behavioral Health Department providing clerical support, I decided to return to school and gain the skills to work providing direct supportive services. I knew I wanted to work with persons in crisis to assist them to identify their potential for recovery and also to become active members of their community. I am a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor and have experience providing case management services to persons with chronic mental health disorders. I have also worked at Catalyst as a crisis line volunteer for persons experiencing Domestic Violence. I have worked for the Torres Community Shelter for almost six years now providing case management services to assist guests to identify a plan to remove barriers to maintaining permanent housing. I enjoy helping people to identify what support is available to them to recover from a crisis and to continue in their recovery.

Patrick 

Shelter Supervisor

Louise: After working for Hewlett Packard for 25 ½ years, I decided to take early retirement. I took a year off and I was too young to retire financially, so I needed to find a job that would provide me some income and keep me busy. A little over 3 years ago I came upon the ad for the position of shelter monitor at Torres Community Shelter. I applied not knowing what I was getting myself into, as all I had known of homelessness was in the movies and what I experienced as a child growing up in San Francisco. I was totally shocked when I walked into Torres Shelter, as I expected to see cement walls, odors etc. What I saw amazed me, and I knew it was for me. I had my interview and a couple of days later I got the call from the Executive Director with a job offer and I accepted. This job has been the best thing that ever happened to me. I work with a great team of people and have the honor of helping to impact hundreds of lives every year. I have led a very fortunate life and to now be able to help others is like a dream come true. This job enables me to see people, our guests, come into the shelter at a time they are at their lowest, and be able to provide the support, structure and stability to them. The job has its moments, but the most treasured moments are those where I can watch someone come into our shelter for services, kick addictions, stabilize their mental illness, find a job and be able to move into their own housing. To see someone who is proud of what they’ve accomplished, of who they have become is the most rewarding experience you can feel in a job like this one. I have been the shelter supervisor for a little over a year now and over time I have discovered that I do not do this job for the pay or the kudos’ for what I do. I do this job for every person who walks through our doors looking for help, who needs a person to listen, for the families, the children and the outcomes that come down the road.

 Shelter Monitors

Andrea: I am a Social Work major at Chico State. Working at the shelter has given me immeasurable amounts of experience and I enjoy coming to work.

Brian: My name is Brian and I work at the Torres shelter to try and help make lives easier for those just down on their luck or for those that just don’t know what they need. It can be tough at times but the job is very rewarding. It’s a great feeling when someone comes up smiling, shaking your hand and thanks you, telling you their "leaving this place". Knowing we were the ones to help make it possible.

Caleb: In working here, I hope to be part of a system that acknowledges societal needs and addresses them effectively.

Chris: I work at the shelter because I want to participate in providing a nessesary social service.

James:  There is always a need for us to help people and this is my opportunity to do just that. My hope is we all can participate in helping one each other in some way or another.

Jenn:  Kindness and compassion.

Kira: Make an impact.

Tim: I am a recent Chico State graduate, with an interest in low income housing and finding solutions for social issues like homelessness. I hope my time spent at the Torres Shelter is a enjoyable learning experience that benefits guest and staff to the upmost. I'm 26 years old and was born and raised in Chico, CA.

Tom: My name is Tom and I’m a college student studying psychology. I work at the Torres Shelter for the experience and out of a desire to help others. I work to provide a safe and supportive atmosphere at the shelter for those who need it. My only wish is that more help was available for people in need.