Volunteer Spotlight: Davia

By Amanda Lang • August 2, 2026

"I witness moments of kindness every day at CSS," says Davia Thomas, 22.


Davia, who has been volunteering with CSS since October 2025, helps out at the front desk. In this role, they interact with everyone coming in to the office and make sure people get what they need.


"CSS is an easy environment to get comfortable with," they share. "I love to see how people are doing and have genuine interactions. There's a high level of support between clients and staff."


Davia has this advice for those interested in volunteering at CSS: do it! In their experience as a volunteer, CSS "offers supportive staff, a welcoming environment, and many areas to display one's strengths." They add that there is always some way to plug in to day-to-day activities.


In their free time, Davia enjoys bird watching, reading romance books, and walking their Rottie-mixed dog. They are a student at Lane Community College majoring in Social Work.


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All donations to the Community Supported Shelters Nourish Fund will be directed toward nourishing the lives of unhoused individuals through employment prep, peer-led support groups, arts entrepreneurship, and more.

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News & Events

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August 6, 2026
White Bird Clinic launched a new mobile medical clinic in partnership with Community Supported Shelters, bringing health care directly to unhoused patients.
August 5, 2026
In 2026, Community Supported Shelters will close our two Communities near the Eugene Mission. At the same time, we are holding our grand opening for 10th Place.
August 4, 2026
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A couple of years ago, Jennifer Yeh was looking for nonprofit work that makes a difference locally. “I don’t know what could fit that more than CSS,” she says.
August 1, 2026
Thank you to our construction and design team for turning a vision into reality. You created an office space that will serve our community for years to come.
July 23, 2026
Gratitude for our dedicated volunteers and donors for the donations, support, and care. We could not do it without you!
July 22, 2026
We don't operate Nightingale with a designated site host or shelter manager. The governance of our community is largely influenced by principles of sociocracy.
July 21, 2026
“Nightingale gave me the stability to become someone who could help others do the same," says Candace, who became CSS staff after graduating from Workforce. 
July 20, 2026
CSS added internet infrastructure in 2026. Community members can now use wi-fi to stay connected with family and services and search for housing and employment.
July 19, 2026
During Community Supported Shelters’ first year of operating the Nightingale Community, five community members found stable housing opportunities!
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