SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – A growing partnership between the Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless (TCH) and the Family Resource Center (FRC) is strengthening support for individuals and families at risk of homelessness by bringing critical services directly into a trusted community space.
As part of this collaboration, Jorge Aguilar, a navigation specialist with Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless, holds weekly office hours at the Family Resource Center every week from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. During this time, Aguilar provides one-on-one guidance, resources, and support for community members who are at risk of becoming homeless or who have recently experienced homelessness.
Aguilar assists individuals and families in navigating available services, including connecting them with Front Door, the coordinated entry system for El Dorado County that places individuals on the housing assistance list. He also conducts assessments using the Vulnerability Index Service Prioritization Decision Assistance Tool (VI-SPDAT), a widely used tool to identify and prioritize support for the community’s most vulnerable residents.
In addition to housing support, Aguilar helps connect families to resources related to CalAIM and Medicare, ensuring access to healthcare and supportive services. He also works to meet immediate needs, such as helping families find essential items like coats and other necessities.
“Many of the individuals seeking help are families with children,” Aguilar shared. “It’s important they have a place where they feel safe, supported, and heard.”
That sense of safety and trust has become a hallmark of his presence at the Family Resource Center. Community members have responded positively to the welcoming environment, where they can openly discuss their needs and challenges. Aguilar has also engaged with the broader community by presenting at Cafecitos, the FRC’s weekly coffee gathering open to all, helping raise awareness about available resources and services.
This partnership reflects a shared commitment to early intervention, accessibility, and compassionate support, ensuring that those facing housing instability can connect with help before their situation becomes more severe.
For more information about services available through the Family Resource Center or Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless, community members are encouraged to visit the FRC during weekly office hours.