COLUSA, CA (MPG) – A new program in Colusa County is offering basic hygiene and clothing resources to residents facing housing instability or homelessness, aiming to reduce barriers to daily life and employment.
PneumaCare Health, part of the Ministerial Association of California Counties, now provides access to showers, two sets of gently used clothing and free shoes for qualifying individuals. The effort focuses on meeting immediate needs that can affect a person’s ability to secure work, attend appointments or participate in recovery programs.
“Having access to hygiene and clean clothing can directly affect a person’s ability to attend appointments, seek employment, participate in recovery programs or simply move through the community with confidence,” said Susan Wagenaar, founder of Colusa County Recovery.
Services are available through referrals from PneumaCare Community Health Workers, the THRYVE Day Center, Health and Human Services or Behavioral Health. Transportation is available through PneumaFLYER as a Medi-Cal benefit under CalAIM. Individuals may also call PneumaCare directly at (530) 473-9050.
In addition to hygiene services, PneumaCare operates the THRYVE drop-in center at 761 Main St. in Colusa. The center offers life skills activities, peer support groups and access to computers and digital resources.
Wagenaar said the center provides more than short-term assistance.
“This creates a space not just for meeting immediate needs, but for building momentum toward long-term stability,” Wagenaar said.
Daniel Reagan, president of the Ministerial Association of California Counties, said the program reflects a broader shift in how communities address homelessness.
“Programs like this reflect a growing shift in how community support is delivered, meeting people where they are and addressing real-life barriers head-on,” Reagan said. “Because sometimes, the path forward starts with something as simple as a shower, clean clothes, and a fresh pair of shoes.”