Meet Debbie Degravelles, Director of our Shower & Laundry Program

At Tracy Community Connections Center (TCCC), some of the most impactful work starts with meeting basic needs. Few people embody that mission more than Debbie Degravelles. As Director of the Shower and Laundry Programs, Debbie has spent the past five years helping build services that restore dignity, create connection, and open the door to lasting change.

Debbie’s journey with TCCC began as a volunteer, stepping into a role that initially felt unfamiliar. But that hesitation didn’t last long. As she began forming relationships with individuals experiencing homelessness, her perspective shifted. What she found were people doing their best to navigate incredibly difficult circumstances, often surviving on limited fixed incomes that simply weren’t enough. Over time, those early interactions turned into meaningful relationships, and the fear she once felt was replaced with empathy, respect, and genuine care. Many of those individuals are still part of her life today, whether they’ve found housing, are in transition, or are supporting loved ones of their own.

In the early days, the program focused on something simple but essential: providing showers. But Debbie quickly saw that hygiene was just one piece of a much larger need. Hunger was common, so she began bringing food herself. Clothing access was limited, so she started collecting donations to make sure clients had what they needed. What began as small, informal efforts gradually grew into the robust, multi-faceted programs TCCC offers today, serving dozens of people each week with not just showers and laundry, but food, clothing, and connection to deeper support.

Along the way, Debbie has experienced moments that reflect the full depth of this work. One that stands out is a long-time client who arrived at the program seriously ill. In a quiet, deeply personal moment, Debbie and a colleague were able to offer comfort and support during his final days. It was a reminder that TCCC’s work goes far beyond services, but simply showing up for people as whole human beings, with compassion and dignity.

The growth of the program has been driven not only by need, but by community. As more people came for support, more individuals and local businesses stepped up to help. Donations of clothing, food, and time began pouring in, turning a small volunteer effort into a true community-wide movement. Debbie often reflects on how that momentum built naturally. When people saw the work being done, they wanted to be part of it.

Of course, the journey hasn’t been without challenges. Setbacks have come, including the loss of access to spaces that once supported the work. But even in those moments, there have been powerful reminders of impact. Debbie recalls meeting a man during those earlier days who was struggling with homelessness and addiction. With support and persistence, he found his way into recovery, went back to school, and now helps run multiple sober living homes in Tracy. Stories like his are a testament to what’s possible when someone is given a chance.

Looking ahead, Debbie sees even more opportunity. The need is still great, and the potential to expand services and reach more people continues to drive her work. Her vision is clear: to keep building programs that not only meet immediate needs, but help people move forward with stability and hope.

Through it all, Debbie’s impact is evident, not just in the programs she’s helped grow, but in the countless lives she’s touched along the way.