who we are

Keith Diederich's (CEO of The Gathering Inn)  headshot

welcome to the gathering inn

The lives renewed with hope for the future are what inspire me most at The Gathering Inn. I witness second chances freely given, opportunities for growth daily offered and people helping people surrounded by the warmth of humility and gratitude. For this dynamic of transformational impact, The Gathering Inn exists, and we as a family of supporters remain committed to addressing the challenges associated with homelessness.

Throughout our family of services for individuals experiencing homelessness, our doors lead to new beginnings. Within the safety of our communities, guests experience acceptance and connection along with accountability and freedom. Often our guests rediscover their motivation for positive change along with newly found stability and structure inside our walls. Most importantly, resources and tools empower our guests to transition into sustainable housing with dignity and self-sufficiency. 

It is my pleasure to introduce you to our people-centered, multifaceted organization affectionately known as The Gathering Inn where reaching out and lifting up are custom.

With warm regards,
Keith E. Diederich, MS
President, CEO

Our mission

To meet people where they are, inspire hope, and walk alongside them on their journey to sustainable housing.

our vision

A community without homelessness.

our values

Accountability
Collaboration
Inclusion
Respect
Safety

our story

Our evolving story

Since 2004, The Gathering Inn has compassionately reached out to countless individuals experiencing homelessness aiming to welcome new beginnings and transform lives. Originally, as a winter-only shelter, 40 individuals were served each night. Today, The Gathering Inn is a multifaceted organization with multiple locations that serves over 300 individuals and families every day.

A view from the top at The Gathering Inn campus
Close up of a little Arfican American boy looking at the yellow flower

it all began when

Compelled to address homelessness in Placer County, a group of local ministers met in January 2004 to discuss opening their doors during the coldest months of the year. This collaboration of 13 congregations provided food, shelter, hospitality, and a sense of dignity to individuals experiencing homelessness of Placer County. Then, due to increasing demand after 3 short years, The Gathering Inn evolved into a year-round program.

As needs became clearer and resources were made available through the generosity of donors and the participation of local governments, The Gathering Inn expanded to offer a complete continuum of housing and supportive services. Programs include emergency shelter, permanent supportive housing, and medical respite care. Supportive services include a clothing closet, showers and laundry services, case management, resource navigation, and education and training along with a medical clinic and a mental health program.

our story today

Not only does The Gathering Inn exist to fulfill the original mission and vision of our founders, but it also builds on that foundation by expanding services that address barriers to housing. The lives of The Gathering Inn guests are transformed by inspiring self-sufficiency and inviting them to achieve sustainable housing.

Today, The Gathering Inn distinguishes itself as a family of services that serves unsheltered residents of Placer County and Elk Grove. Successful program outcomes are made possible through the generosity of donors, local government and healthcare partnerships and the involvement of over 30 churches and community organizations who daily provide meals, a safe place to sleep and the assurance that every guest is valued.

A middle-aged woman smiling happily

tgi Annual impact for 2023

66,180

Nights housed for people experiencing homelessness

690

Guests served.
38% of guests who stayed in program for more than 8 days achieved sustainable housing.

36

Children

43

Veterans

217

Seniors

219

Victims of domestic violence

225

Number of
guests receiving
Mental Health
Services

230

Number of
guests who left
with income

382

Number of
guests who left
with medical
insurance

85%

Of every dollar raised
went to Programs
July 2022 to June 30, 2023

2022 Annual Report