Fund Information

A HAND UP FUND

Background and Mission Summary

The A Hand Up Fund represents a grassroots nonprofit organization born from deep compassion and unwavering dedication to serving Solano County's homeless population. Operating as a component fund under the Solano Community Foundation (a qualified 501(c)(3) organization), A Hand Up was founded by Skip and Gail Thomson, a Vacaville couple whose mission extends far beyond traditional charity work.

Origins and Founders

Gail Thomson's involvement began nearly a decade ago when Pastor Raleigh Galgan recruited her as a navigator for "There's a Better Way," a program serving the homeless community. After COVID decimated the volunteer base, Gail became the last navigator standing, continuing the work alone until her husband Skip joined her efforts after stepping down from the Solano County Board of Supervisors in 2020. Their combined expertise—Gail's frontline experience and Skip's governmental background—created a powerful partnership for addressing homelessness.

Mission and Approach

A Hand Up's mission centers on providing comprehensive support to people experiencing homelessness in Solano County and surrounding communities. Unlike organizations that focus solely on immediate needs, the Thomsons emphasize dignity restoration and sustainable self-sufficiency. Their approach encompasses food delivery, hygiene products, medical care access, mental health services, and crucial life navigation assistance.

The organization's philosophy reflects Skip's straightforward perspective: "We didn't start doing this to hand out food or coats. We want to make a difference in their lives. We want to help them find a way to put their lives back together to be productive members of our community."

Programs and Services

A Hand Up operates multiple interconnected programs addressing various aspects of homelessness. Their weekly meal delivery program reaches 35 individuals across Vacaville, extending to people living under bridges, in vehicles, and hidden throughout the community. The organization helps clients navigate complex bureaucratic processes for Social Security, disability benefits, and healthcare access—services that often prove transformative for recipients.

Beyond basic needs, A Hand Up provides practical assistance including clothing for job interviews, vehicle repairs essential for employment, and housing application support. They also maintain an informal coat collection and organize the annual National Homeless Memorial, honoring those who have died on the streets.

Community Impact and Challenges

The Thomsons have witnessed Vacaville's homeless population grow from 63 individuals when they began to an estimated 300 today, with concerning trends toward younger demographics. Recent Supreme Court decisions regarding anti-camping ordinances have complicated their outreach efforts, as clients now scatter across wider areas to avoid citations, extending delivery routes from 90 minutes to three hours.

Despite these challenges, A Hand Up's impact resonates deeply within the community they serve. Clients consistently praise the Thomsons' reliability and genuine care, with one recipient noting, "They helped me get off the streets. I was living under the bridge. They found me and helped me get a place to stay and find a job."

Sustainable Vision

The organization's strength lies in building trust-based relationships that enable meaningful intervention. By combining immediate assistance with long-term support systems, A Hand Up demonstrates that while no single organization can solve homelessness overnight, consistent compassion delivered through practical action can create pathways to stability and hope for Solano County's most vulnerable residents.