Downtown Roseville Partnership and Local Homeless Shelter Alliance

Roseville, Calif. – The Downtown Roseville Partnership (DRP), in conjunction with The Gathering Inn (TGI), have launched a day porter program within the District. The program is unique in scope in that porter Mark Hegel is a client of the Gathering Inn, which provides homeless women, men, and families the dignity and support they need to become active members of our community.

“We are excited to partner with The Gathering Inn on this very unique project,” said Doug Wagemann, DRP President and local business owner. “We see this as a win-win opportunity that not only assists the DRP and TGI, local merchants/businesses and the public, but most importantly, it provides an opportunity for the deserving TGI client to learn needed work skills that will enable them to obtain a full time job, which in turn will end their homelessness.”

Hegel walks the District, providing directions and information to guests and merchants, distributing flyers, monitoring litter and serving as an extra pair of ears and eyes for city agencies.

“The Police Department has been working with Mark since the Day Porter program began and he has been a great partner,” said Lieutenant Troy Bergstrom, Roseville Police Department. “Our goal is for our downtown area to be a safe place for our residents to work or enjoy the local businesses and restaurants, and the addition of Mark as the day porter has helped provide another resource for the Police Department in our downtown area.”
 
Hegel moved to Roseville while working for a medical imaging company. During the financial crash, he was laid off.  Mark spent years looking for work in his area of expertise, exhausting his retirement and savings before finding himself unable to afford to pay rent. TGI has provided Mark a place where he can research job opportunities, receive financial assistance and pursue future housing options.

“There is a lot going on in the downtown area and it’s great to feel I’m part of it,” said Hegel.  “I enjoy working with the public, the merchants and the property owners. This job adds another level of diversity to my career history.” 

“We are very pleased about this new relationship with the Downtown Roseville Partnership and the City of Roseville,” said Keith Diederich, CEO of The Gathering Inn. “The day porter program can provide job experience for our guests as well as outreach into the community and support to businesses.”

The Gathering Inn is currently vetting candidates for a second day porter position within the District.

About the Downtown Roseville Partnership

Downtown Roseville Partnership is an action-oriented, collaborative property business improvement district that champions the creation of a vibrant and authentic downtown. A coalition of business and property owners formed Downtown Roseville Partnership (DRP) in 2014, collaborating with the City of Roseville, redevelopment organization (RCDC) and local businesses. The DRP is funded through assessments paid by property owners within its boundaries.

About The Gathering Inn

The Gathering Inn provides homeless women, men, and families the dignity and support they need to become active members of our community. They offer a range of programs and services to help guests overcome the issues causing homelessness, so that they can transition to the next best step. Their vision is a community where everyone’s basic needs are met. For more information, visit www.thegatheringinn.com