At Tracy Community Connections Center (TCCC), we often hear donors ask an important question: “How much of my donation goes directly to helping people?” It’s a fair question, but it’s also part of a larger conversation happening across the nonprofit world about something called the “overhead myth.”
The overhead myth is the belief that a nonprofit is more effective simply because it spends less on things like staffing, technology, transportation, utilities, or administrative support. While it may sound logical at first, the reality is that these expenses are not wasteful but essential to making programs work. Organizations across the country, including major nonprofit evaluators and charity watchdogs, have pushed back against the idea that low overhead automatically equals high impact.
At TCCC, the services people see every day like our shower and laundry programs, street outreach, housing navigation, case management, and recuperative care support, all depend on much more than supplies alone. Our outreach team needs vehicles, fuel, training, phones, and safety equipment to connect with unhoused individuals throughout the community. Our shower and laundry programs require trailers, maintenance, utilities, storage, and staff to operate consistently each week. Our case managers need computers, secure systems, and office space to help clients apply for benefits, connect with housing resources, and coordinate care.
In other words, the work behind the scenes is what makes the direct services possible.
Investing in staff is especially important. Homelessness and housing instability are complex issues, and meaningful support requires experienced, compassionate people who can build trust and navigate difficult situations alongside clients. When nonprofits are expected to operate with minimal staffing or outdated systems just to appear “efficient,” it can lead to burnout, turnover, and reduced quality of care. Strong infrastructure allows organizations to respond consistently, safely, and effectively.
What truly matters is impact. At TCCC, success is measured by the people we serve and the lives being changed, not by how low we can keep a percentage on a spreadsheet. It’s the individual who avoided eviction because of rental assistance. The client who moved from a tent into housing. The person who found stability through case management, hygiene services, and ongoing support. These outcomes happen because a dedicated team and strong community support system are in place to make them possible.
We believe transparency matters, and we’re grateful for every donor, volunteer, and community partner who invests not only in our programs, but in the people and infrastructure that allow those programs to grow and succeed. Supporting a nonprofit means supporting the full picture of what it takes to create lasting change.
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.
We recently hosted a “Postcards from Here” event, where we invited participants to share their stories about homelessness, reflecting on their experiences, their hopes, and what they wish others understood about their journey.
A huge thank you to The Save Mart Companies CARES Foundation for their generous support of this project.
In this short video, we spoke to our clients and team to hear their stories:
The stories shared during the event were a reminder of an important truth: homelessness can happen to anyone. Some individuals spoke about losing jobs unexpectedly, facing sudden evictions, or dealing with life-altering events like house fires. For many, it was their first time experiencing homelessness, something they never imagined would happen to them. These firsthand accounts challenge common misconceptions and highlight that homelessness is not defined by one single cause or stereotype.
At the same time, the event also showcased stories of resilience, growth, and transformation. One individual shared how, with support from TCCC’s outreach team, they were able to move from living in a tent to securing shelter, finding employment, and rebuilding their life. Others spoke about the importance of having access to basic services like showers, laundry, healthcare, and other resources that provide both physical support and a renewed sense of dignity and hope.
Beyond the individual stories, the event created space for connection. Participants, staff, and volunteers came together to listen, learn, and see one another beyond labels. The artwork and conversations reflected a shared message: despite different circumstances, we all have more in common than we might think. Compassion, understanding, and community can go a long way in helping people feel seen and supported.
As TCCC Executive Director Carrie Grover shared, the organization’s mission is not only to help individuals move out of homelessness, but also to prevent it in the first place through programs like eviction prevention, case management, and rental assistance. Events like this one are a powerful reminder that behind every service is a person, and behind every person is a story worth hearing.
Beginning January 1, 2026, new federal tax rules will change how charitable donations are deducted when you file in 2027. The good news? If you typically take the standard deduction, you may now be able to deduct up to $1,000 (individuals) or $2,000 (married filing jointly) in cash donations to qualified 501(c)(3) public charities, including Tracy Community Connections Center. This “above-the-line” deduction allows many donors to receive a tax benefit for giving, even if they don’t itemize.
For those who do itemize, a small adjustment is coming when you are filing in 2027. Starting in 2026, only the portion of your charitable giving that exceeds 0.5% of your adjusted gross income (AGI) will be deductible. For most donors, the impact will be modest. However, some may choose to “bunch” donations into one year to maximize their deduction.
If you’re planning a larger gift, it may be worth reviewing your timing and strategy before filing your 2026 taxes in 2027. Keeping good records of cash donations and confirming the nonprofit’s 501(c)(3) status will be especially important under the new rules. As always, thoughtful planning helps ensure your generosity has the greatest possible impact, both for your financial goals and for the individuals and families TCCC serves.
Disclaimer: This information is for general educational purposes only and should not be considered tax advice. Please consult a qualified tax professional regarding your specific situation.
At Tracy Community Connections Center (TCCC), we’re always looking for new ways to meet the basic needs of the people we serve. That’s why we’re excited to announce a new partnership with the Emergency Food Bank of Stockton that will help bring fresh, healthy food directly to our clients.
Beginning in March, TCCC will host a Farmer’s Market-style food giveaway during our regular shower program. On the third Monday of each month at 9:45 a.m., clients will have access to fresh fruits and vegetables provided by the Emergency Food Bank of Stockton. This new addition will take place at our shower program location at New Heart Church, where many community members already come to access showers, hygiene supplies, clothing, and other support services.
Access to nutritious food is an essential part of overall health and stability. For individuals experiencing homelessness or financial hardship, fresh produce can be difficult to come by. Through this partnership, we’re able to make healthy food more accessible while continuing to offer the services that help people maintain dignity and well-being.
We’re incredibly grateful to the Emergency Food Bank of Stockton for working with us to make this possible. Partnerships like this allow organizations to combine resources and reach more people in meaningful ways.
If you or someone you know could benefit from this program, we encourage you to join us on the third Monday of each month at 9:45 a.m. at our shower program. Together, we can continue building a stronger, healthier community.
