At Tracy Community Connections Center (TCCC), our mission is to walk alongside individuals during some of the most difficult moments of their lives and to help them move forward. The following five stories highlight what’s possible when community, compassion, and perseverance come together. These are real people, facing real challenges and making real progress, though their names have been changed or abbreviated to protect their privacy:
1. Mariana: A Young Mother Reclaims Her Future
Earlier this year, Mariana was referred to the Tracy Shelter by TCCC. A young mother navigating probation and early recovery, she faced major obstacles but remained committed to turning her life around. After a difficult relapse, she entered and completed a 90-day inpatient treatment program, an achievement that required enormous strength and focus.
TCCC provided support throughout her journey, helping her access housing services and reconnect with critical resources. Now living sober, she’s preparing to move to Stockton with her child, where she’ll continue building a stable life. Mariana draws strength from her family, her church, and a growing support network, and she’s determined to keep moving forward.
2. O.D.: Safety and Stability for a Family in Crisis
After escaping domestic violence, O.D. came to us in urgent need of support for herself and her two children. In a matter of days, we helped her access emergency shelter, legal assistance, and essential public benefits including CalWORKS, Medi-Cal, and food assistance.
O.D. is now in a much safer, more stable environment and has begun preparing for her future. With her children in childcare, she’s starting a business program to build a path toward independence and opportunity. In just one month, O.D. went from crisis to control and her courage inspires us daily.
3. A.G.: From Nothing to New Beginnings
A.G. came to TCCC with no belongings, no job, and no clear plan. She had just left an unsafe living situation and was looking for a way to start fresh. We connected her to Tracy House, where she found stability and safety while working with our case managers to plan her next steps.
With steady support, A.G. quickly found a job in Modesto and began rebuilding her life. Today, she’s working, housed, and focused on long-term stability. Her story reminds us that sometimes, all someone needs is a safe place to start again.
4. Ann: Dignity in the Face of Homelessness
At 47, Ann never imagined she would be homeless, let alone for two years. A former businesswoman and mother of three, her life was upended by a divorce and job loss. “I’ve slept in park bathrooms and behind dumpsters,” she shared. “But I won’t let it break me.”
Despite living without shelter, Ann chose to stay sober and help others around her survive. With extensive professional experience, she continues to seek stable employment, though the lack of a permanent address, transportation, and basic hygiene access has made the search nearly impossible. “I had the American Dream once,” she says. “And I still believe I can have it again.” At TCCC, we’re walking with Ann every step of the way as she fights to reclaim that dream.
5. R.A.: From Survival to Serving Others
In 2021, R.A. was living in El Pescadero Park when she first met TCCC staff through our Warming Center. She was struggling with addiction and living in survival mode. But R.A. made a brave choice by entering the City of Tracy shelter and starting treatment. She didn’t stop there. While staying at the shelter, she completed her medical assistant certification and commuted to Stockton three days a week for her internship.
Today, she’s working part-time at San Joaquin General Hospital, using her experience and training to care for others. R.A.’s journey is proof that with the right support, people can not only recover, but thrive.
Want to Read More Success Stories Like These?
These five stories are only a glimpse into the work happening every day at TCCC. Each person we serve brings courage, resilience, and hope. And with your support, we’ll keep walking with them until stability isn’t the exception, but the norm. We continue to post stories like these on our social media channels, so please follow us if you’re not already: FacebookInstagram
For our unhoused neighbors, access to basic hygiene isn’t guaranteed. That’s why Tracy Community Connections Center (TCCC) operates a mobile Shower Program. Three days a week: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. we welcome anyone in need at New Heart Church (1647 Bessie Ave.). With the support of our partner church, we’ve transformed their parking lot into a safe, welcoming space where people can refresh, recharge, and reconnect with dignity.
In 2024, we provided 3,289 showers and we’re on track to serve even more this year.
More Than a Shower
When someone arrives at our Shower Program, they’re met by caring staff—not just with a towel and soap, but with conversation, kindness, and support. Every guest has free access to:
A warm shower
Hygiene products
Clean clothes
Food
Restroom
Phone charging station
Resource referrals and case management
A genuine, human connection
Haircuts offered Mondays 9am – 1pm
Our team is there to listen, build trust, and support the next steps toward stability.
Tracy Police Department’s Familiar Faces Program, helping connect repeat system users to services
And of course, our host, New Heart Church, whose generosity makes this program possible
Why It Matters and How You Can Help
The ability to shower, wear clean clothes, and feel human again shouldn’t be a luxury. It’s a basic human need and it’s often the first step toward recovery, employment, and housing. We’ve seen it time and again: a clean body can lead to a clearer mind, a restored sense of dignity, and a renewed desire to seek help.
It costs just $25 to cover the cost of a shower, hygiene supplies, and clean clothes for two people. If you believe everyone deserves a clean start, consider donating today. You’ll be making an immediate impact right here in Tracy.
The ability to get online is necessary for securing basic needs such as housing, healthcare, employment, and education. However, for many individuals experiencing houselessness in Tracy, digital access is a significant barrier. That’s why our organization is committed to providing the necessary tools, support, and resources to help our clients access the online services necessary to participate in local programs and access the tools they need for help.
The Digital Challenges Faced by Our Community
Navigating online systems can be especially difficult for those with limited digital literacy, language barriers, or disabilities.Many of our clients struggle with:
Completing online applications for essential services like Medi-Cal, CalFresh, or housing assistance.
Accessing and managing benefits through digital portals.
Searching and applying for jobs online.
Participating in telehealth appointments and accessing online health information.
Losing and regaining phone access, leading to changing phone numbers, making it difficult for organizations like ours to reach out on a regular basis.
While most low-income people have access to free government-issued phones, there are challenges such as the inability to charge devices regularly due to lack of stable housing, frequent theft or loss of phones, and limited data plans restricting internet access.
TCCC’s Initiatives to Enhance Digital Access
To address some of these challenges, TCCC has implemented several initiatives:
On-Site Technology Access:Our office is equipped with phones, iPads, and computers available for client use.
Assisted Application Support:Case managers provide one-on-one assistance to help clients navigate online applications and digital platforms.
Mobile Intake Services:Staff utilize iPads in the field to conduct client intakes, ensuring immediate and accessible support.
Charging Stations:We offer free charging facilities at our office and during our shower and laundry service programs.
Collaborations and Referrals
Recognizing the importance of community partnerships, we guide clients to local resources offering digital access:
Tracy Public Library:Located just two blocks from our center, the library provides free computer and internet access.
WorkNet and El Concilio:These organizations offer additional support and resources for job seekers and those needing digital assistance.
Ensuring Privacy and Security
Handling sensitive client information requires strict adherence to privacy standards.TCCC is committed to maintaining confidentiality and complies with all HIPAA regulations to protect our clients’ data.
Looking Ahead
Digital platforms are integral to accessing essential services, and TCCC remains dedicated to ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their housing status, have the tools and support needed to access services online.We aim to empower our clients, reduce barriers to essential services, and ultimately foster a more inclusive community. For more information or to support our initiatives, we welcome donations and volunteers. Or you can get in touch with Tracy Community Connections Center by calling (209) 407-9649.
At Tracy Community Connections Center (TCCC), we continually seek ways to support our community members experiencing homelessness or financial hardship. We are excited to announce our new twice weekly free laundry service, designed to provide clean clothing and a sense of dignity to those in need.
Laundry Service Details:
Schedule: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Location: Redemption Road Church, 72 E Grant Line Road, Tracy, CA
Guidelines:
Load Limit: One load per person per day, with a maximum weight of 10 pounds
Last Load: Must be started by 11:00 AM
On-Site Requirement: Clients are required to remain on the premises while their laundry is being processed
New Clients: Completion of an intake packet is mandatory for first-time users
Supplies: Detergent is provided at no cost
This initiative is part of TCCC’s broader mission to offer essential services that restore dignity and hope. Our mobile laundry trailer is equipped with six washer-dryer units, water tanks, and heaters, ensuring efficient and effective service.
We invite community members to join us in this endeavor. Volunteers are needed to assist with operating the laundry trailer during service hours. Your participation can make a significant difference in the lives of our neighbors.
Listen to Tracy CCC’s Executive Director Carrie Grover explain our new laundry service on KKIQ’s Philanthropy Thursday radio spot:
Your contributions enable us to maintain and expand services like the laundry program. A donation of $250, for example, provides access to laundry facilities and supplies for 25 families.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to San Joaquin County for the grant that made this service possible and to all our supporters who share our vision of a compassionate community.
For more information or to get involved, please contact us at (209) 407-9649.
Together, we can make a difference – one clean load at a time.
On the first day of winter, Tracy Community Connections Center (TCCC) paused our outreach work to honor community members who died while experiencing homelessness in Tracy.
We gathered behind New Heart Church on Bessie Avenue on Saturday, December 21, 2024. TCCC staff, volunteers, and neighbors prayed, and heard the names of 44 people we lost in 2024, read by Pastor Patrick Williams. For each name spoken, there was also a story underneath of hopes deferred, of challenges unseen, of a neighbor we never had the chance to serve fully.
This was the first of what we plan to make an annual event. For reasons ranging from chronic illness to lack of safe shelter, the 44 people we honored lost their lives to homelessness over the last 5 years. By gathering together and remembering the losses, we emphasize the importance of empathy, respect, and making connections with every human life.
Remembering Stories: Homelessness isn’t a statistic – it’s lived experience. By reading each name, we remind ourselves that behind every life lost was a person with dreams, struggles, and dignity.
Building Community: The memorial draws volunteers, faith leaders, business owners, and public officials. It’s a stark reminder that tackling homelessness is everyone’s responsibility.
Recommitting to Action: This event isn’t an endpoint—it’s a spark. In the days after, our outreach team ramps up efforts to connect more people to our housing navigation, medical recuperative care, and hygiene services.
Join Us If you’d like to attend next year’s memorial or help us expand our outreach, visit tracyccc.org/get-involved or call us at (209) 407-9649.
