Kimberley Hayes opens her door to show off her bedroom. It has a TV, a dresser, and a bed. There's a window providing natural light. She can also lock the door – giving herself plenty of privacy. Just outside her room, there's a common area with two couches and a couple of chairs. She sits next to Hershel Walthall. He's content and relaxed in the common area. They chat like old friends. Even though they now sit next to each other and talk, the two have very different personalities.
Kimberley loves to bake. She also loves cats. She's outgoing and enjoys sharing funny stories. Hershell used to drive school buses. He's soft-spoken but opens up when you talk to him for a while. These two very different people have one big thing in common that brought them together: they are both older adults who were referred by Adult Protective Services to
Nottoli Place when they became unhoused.
Nottoli Place is a safe and supportive facility for older adults in need of temporary housing. The facility is named after retired Sacramento County Supervisor Don Nottoli. With the goal of preventing homelessness and providing essential services, Nottoli Place has become a beacon of hope for older adults facing challenging circumstances. Since its grand opening in February of this year, the facility has already made a positive impact on the lives of its residents. The first client, an 86-year-old, moved into Nottoli Place in March. Nottoli Place has serviced 26 clients in just a few short months. The facility has 15 beds so it can house several clients at once.
Those staying at Nottoli Place are all vulnerable seniors who are at risk of abuse and neglect and referred to the facility by Sacramento County's Adult Protective Services. Social workers help connect clients with Nottoli Place and make sure they have a way to get to the facility. Once they arrive, they are greeted by Volunteers of America workers who staff Nottoli Place.
For Kimberley, moving into Nottoli Place took a huge burden off her shoulders. She has experienced homelessness before – years ago when she lived in San Francisco. At 63 years old, she feared she wouldn't be able to face it again. At first, she was concerned that Nottoli Place would be filled with rules and regulations, but that is not the case. While there are a few guidelines, Nottoli Place promotes independence and respects the privacy of everyone staying there. The residents are also permitted to leave. Kimberley says when she has time, she takes the bus to run errands or to catch a movie. She has a sense of relief knowing she can leave behind her belongings without having to worry.
“You've got your dignity and you've got your privacy. You can stay put and know your property and stuff is going to be safe," says Kimberley.
Kimberley expresses immense gratitude toward her Sacramento County social worker who helped get her to Nottoli Place. She says her social worker has continued to provide her with much-needed support. Herhsell, who is 74 years old, also praised his Adult Protective Services social worker for being quick to help him get into Nottoli Place. Hershell also thanks the Nottoli Place staff for all their support.
“You got good staff here that's really engaged and that really helps," Hershell says.
Nottoli Place not only provides a safe space, but it also offers a supportive community. Clients must be 60 or older to stay in one of the rooms. Kimberley says being in the same age group allows for easy camaraderie, understanding, and shared experiences.
“We all come from the same generation, so we all get each other. We have the same sense of humor and so all our jokes, the others still laugh at them," says Kimberley.
While everyone at Nottoli Place can relax and make new friends, they are also putting in hard work during their stay to secure permanent housing. Residents have the opportunity to participate in classes covering various topics such as renting, job applications, credit scores, and more.
Regular follow-ups by Adult Protective Services and Volunteers of America staff contribute to the success and well-being of the residents. The staff is dedicated to individualized care, and they get to know the clients so each of their individual needs are met, offering personalized assistance when necessary. As residents of Nottoli Place continue their journey toward permanent housing, they emphasize the importance of taking an active role in their own progress.
“It's a team effort. You put in the time and you can see the results. It pays off if you really put in the time because the program here really helps you out and it works," says Herhsell.
Both Kimberley and Hershell have applied on housing waiting lists and regularly checked in to see if they are approved. They are both happy to share they are on their way to finding permanent housing. Hershell was living at Nottoli Place when he was interviewed for this story. He moved into his own apartment in Natomas at the end of July.
“It feels real good. I'm on the road to success. I've been looking for some housing and I found some, and I'm ready to move on to that next transitional part, and they're getting ready to help me transition to that next part, which I love that," Hershell says.
Hershell and Kimberley credit the staff, their own dedication, and the resources provided by the County for their progress. Kimberley explains that on top of the Volunteers of America staff keeping an eye on her, her social worker still checks in – sometimes just to see how she's doing.
“Adult Protective Services still comes and does the follow-up. They ask me how I'm doing. Where are you at on this? So, it's really good that you've got that coming from both sides. They're taking you into consideration and there's compassion," Kimberley says.
Nottoli Place has proven to be a lifeline for older adults like Kimberley and Hershell. By offering a safe environment, Nottoli Place serves as a place of refuge for older adults, helping them regain stability, hope, and a path to long-term housing solutions. The gratitude expressed by Kimberley and Hershell toward their social workers and the Nottoli Place staff highlights the effectiveness and impact of the collaborative efforts in supporting older adults in need.
For inquiries regarding Adult Protective Services (APS) eligibility call the APS Hotline at (916) 874-9377. For more information on APS services visit the
APS website.
Visit the
Volunteers of America website to learn more about the organization.
Learn more about Sacramento County's Homeless Services by visiting the
Homeless Services website.
