For those who have died in the past two years

Watch national ceremony online Dec. 18

By NAMI Contra Costa

Join us for Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day, where we will create a space to remember, honor and celebrate those in our community with a lived experience of homelessness who have died in the past two years. As part of the event, we will be reading their names and stories. You are invited to share the names of people whom you would like to be remembered here: https://forms.gle/ksauQ1dwxKT2j2rR7.  

This hybrid (in person and online) event will take place:

Friday December 19, 2025

11:00 am – 1 pm

• Reading of the names: 11:30 am
• Lunch served: 12:30 pm

Physical Address:  NAMI CC – 40 Voices African American Holistic Wellness and Resource Hub, 1020 East Tregallas Road, Antioch

Zoom: https://homebaseccc.zoom.us/j/86971795919 

Event co-hosted by Antioch Seventh Day Adventist Church, Bay Area Rescue Mission, City of Antioch, Contra Costa Council on Homelessness, NAMI Contra Costa, and Safe Organized Spaces Richmond.

If you have questions, please reach out to contracostacoc@cchealth.org.

National Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day Ceremony (Virtual Attendance)

Please join us from wherever you are on Dec. 18th for a livestream of this year’s Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day ceremony at 11 a.m. PST.

The National Coalition for the Homeless, the National Health Care for the Homeless Council, and the National Consumer Advisory Board, a member network of the Council, encourage our communities to organize or take part in Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day (HPMD) events on or around the winter solstice — the first day of winter and the longest night of the year.

At these events each year, we remember those who have died and we strengthen our resolve to work for a world where no life is lived or lost in homelessness. We state clearly, together with others in scores of communities across the nation, that no person should die for lack of housing.

List of Speakers For the Memorial Event

Register at: 2025 Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day Ceremony Livestream.

About NAMI CC – Support. Educate. Advocate. Outreach.

Mission Statement – To provide support, outreach, education, and advocacy to individuals impacted by mental illness, their families, and the broader community.

NAMI Contra Costa is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization providing outreach, education, support and advocacy to individuals living with mental illness, their families, and the broader community. We have been serving in Contra Costa County and beyond for over 35 years. All our programs are free, so get involved today and help make a difference in your life, others’ lives, and in the local community. 

NAMI Contra Costa is an affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness. We are unique in our independence with long history of supporting individuals living with mental illness, their families, and the broader community.

NAMI CC has a commitment to serve the needs of all impacted by mental illness. We have staffed our agency to be reflective of those who are unserved, underserved, and inappropriately served. We have many support groups, classes, and services for these communities. Additionally, to help reach much of the homebound community, we provide almost all of our groups and classes via Zoom, and now more are in-person. So please visit our calendar page for group dates and times.

NAMI Contra Costa was named the 2023 California Nonprofit of the Year. 

About the Delta Bay Wellness Hub

NAMI CC is committed to ensuring ALL individuals impacted by mental illness have their needs met and no one is left behind. We, therefore, lifted the 40 Voices Campaign to advocate for an African American Holistic Wellness & Resource Hub to improve outcomes for the African American community. Despite 40 Voices’ successful advocacy for a total of $8.9 million dollars from the Contra Costa Board of Supervisors, we have been asked to wait until 2029 for the physical site of the hub to be realized. We cannot afford to wait. NAMI CC CEO and Founder of the 40 Voices Campaign, Gigi Crowder, decided to move forward with the hub – primarily using her own personal funding and securing donations from others.

If you would like to support this important effort, you can Zelle a payment (510-990-2670) or mail in a check (2151 Salvio Street, Suite V, Concord, CA 94520) or simply go to ww.namicontracosta.org/donate to make a donation. All donations are tax deductible. Donations of $40 dollars or more will be recognized on a poster as a “Founding Contributor” of the 40 Voices African American Holistic Wellness & Resource Hub at Delta Bay. The renovations have resulted in a beautiful healing space.

For more information, contact: Gigi R. Crowder at (510) 990-2670 or gigi@namicontracosta.org.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Attacker used “improvised weapon”, held on $530,000 bail

Sister organizes GoFundMe to pay for “proper services”

By Lt. William Whitaker #6155, Antioch Police Investigations Bureau

According to a press release issued by Antioch Police Lt. William Whitaker today, “On December 4, 2025, the victim of the November 18 attack, 59-year-old Frank Troia, died from the injuries he sustained. The charges initially filed against the suspect, 34-year-old Brandon Rowlett, will be amended to murder (187 PC).”

As previously reported, on November 18, 2025, at approximately 2:46 a.m., the Antioch Police Department dispatch center received multiple calls of a subject down on the roadway at Lone Tree Way and W. Tregallas Road. When officers arrived on scene, they located the victim who appeared to have been involved in a physical altercation. Antioch police officers provided aid to the victim at the scene. The victim was transported to a local hospital where he is in critical condition.

On November 19, at approximately 8:30 a.m., the Antioch Police Department’s Investigations Bureau, located and arrested Rowlett.

“He passed late last night,” Whitaker stated.

Asked if Troia was struck with a pipe, he said, “We found the improvised weapon used. It’s crucial evidence to the case. But we’re not going to release that information at this time.”

As previously reported, the sister of Troia has organized a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds to pay for “proper services” for her brother.

Additional inquiries, tips, or information can be directed to Antioch Police Detective Arturo Becerra at (925) 779-6937 or by email at abecerra@antiochca.gov.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the five-foot, four-inch tall, 162-pound Rowlett is Hispanic, and now being held on $530,000 bail in the West County Detention Facility. His next court appearance is scheduled for Dec. 9 at 1:30 p.m. in Martinez Superior Court.

Asked to form Ad Hoc Committee; at least $16 million spent since 2021 so far

By Allen D. Payton

During a special meeting at noon on Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025, the Antioch City Council will consider a plan to reduce homelessness and policy guidelines for homeless services. The meeting was scheduled on Nov. 20, but the agenda was not provided to the public until Monday, Dec. 1.

The one agenda is labeled a “City Council Priority Setting Discussion” on the “Plan for the Department of Public Safety and Community Resources to Reduce Homelessness and Increase Access to Critical Resources for Unhoused Residents,” by Focus Strategies, completed in December 2023.

The plan was a result of the Council adopting the “Policy Guidelines for the City’s Approach to Unhoused Resident Services” in 2021.

According to the City staff report on the item, “The Policy Guidelines of 2021 outlined three strategies that the City would use to prioritize to achieve this goal:

1. Address the immediate and public health needs of unhoused Antioch residents;

2. Invest in interim housing and services solutions designed to facilitate the transition into permanent housing; and

3. Increase permanent housing and linkages to permanent housing.

The City Manager (Bessie Scott) has recently restructured the housing investments approach for the City, to include the creation of a dedicated Housing Services Division, and she has bolstered regional relationships with external partners to address policy interventions as well as possibilities for increasing service provisions, in addition to identifying funding opportunities in the area of housing services and housing opportunities for all.”

Scott is asking for direction from the Council on forming an Ad Hoc Committee for this purpose.

UPDATE: Asked how much has been spent to help the homeless in Antioch, including ARPA COVID-relief funds, Monserrat Cabral, Director of the Department of Public Safety and Community Resources responded, “Since 2021 with ARPA (federal) and ERF (Encampment Resolution Funds from the State of California), I’d say a little over $16 million. The $16 million is also only what I can see from my department and when the Unhoused Resident Coordinator was hired as part-time in 2021 from the City Manager’s office, there might be other expenses from Public Works or Antioch Police Departments, but I would confirm with City Manager Scott.”

Asked why the meeting is being held at Noon when most residents can’t attend Mayor Ron Bernal responded, “It was the only time we could get the City Council and facilitator together before the last City Council meeting (of the year) on 12/9.”

The meeting starts at Noon at the Antioch Water Park – Multi Use Room, 4701 Lone Tree Way. It may be televised on the City’s website and/or the City’s YouTube channel but that information is not provided on the agenda.

See the amended meeting agenda with Plan and Policy Guidelines.

Family raising funds for “proper service” of 59-year-old Frank Troia suffering from severe brain damage

By Allen D. Payton

The sister of Frank Troia, an Antioch homeless resident, who was injured in a fight with a younger homeless man earlier this month, has organized a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for his funeral as he is not expected to survive his injuries. The suspect, 34-year-old Brandon Rowlett, was arrested for attempted homicide. (See related article)

On the GoFundMe page Frank’s sister wrote, “My name is Mary Troia. My brother, Frank Troia, was a victim of assault on November 17, 2025. He was beaten with a weapon and has been hospitalized since. He has severe brain damage and has not regained consciousness. The doctors are giving our family time to come to terms with end of life.

Frank suffered from mental illness and was unhoused at the time of the assault. It occurred in Antioch, CA, and was covered by the Antioch Herald and the East Bay Times. Unfortunately, Frank has no assets and I am asking for any donations to cover any costs associated with proper services. Donations of any amount would be appreciated by my family. God bless you, and if unable to donate, please remember Frank in your prayers.”

Asked about her brother, Mary shared about him and their family, “Frank did attend Antioch High School. However, he did not graduate with his Class of 1984. He got a G.E.D. Frank is the youngest of four children, my brother, John Myers, the oldest, myself, then my sister Janet Troia and he followed her. Frank has a 36-year-old son, Frank, Jr.”

Asked if he was a Marine Corps veteran due to the flag on the wall behind him seen in a photo from Facebook, she replied, “He was not a vet our stepfather was. He is still in critical condition at this time.”

To help the Troia family, visit www.gofundme.com/f/support-for-frank-troias-final-journey.

34-year-old Brandon Rowlett with 10-year history of 25 arrests injured 59-year-old Frank Troia who remains in critical condition

Held on $500,000 bail

“It was a one-on-one fight that got out of hand.” – APD Lt. Whitaker

By Allen D. Payton

As previously reported, on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at approximately 2:46 a.m., the Antioch Police Department dispatch center received multiple calls of a subject down on the roadway at Lone Tree Way and W. Tregallas Road. When officers arrived on scene, they located the victim who appeared to have been involved in a physical altercation. Antioch Police officers provided aid to the victim at the scene. The victim was transported to a local hospital where he is in critical condition.

According to Antioch Police Lt. William Whitaker, on November 19, at approximately 8:30 a.m., the Antioch Police Department’s Investigations Bureau located and arrested 34-year-old Brandon Rowlett for attempted homicide.

Police also identified the victim, 59-year-old Frank Troia, who remains in critical condition at an area hospital.

“Both are unhoused in Antioch,” Whitaker shared.

Asked if any vehicles were involved as the original post on APD’s social media claimed it was a traffic accident, he said, “No vehicles were involved. It was a one-on-one fight that got out of hand.”

Whitaker also explained the difference in the markers placed at the scene. The yellow markers are for evidence placed by officers who first arrive on scene. The blue markers are placed by the detectives during their investigation.

This is an active investigation, and no further information will be released at this time.

Additional inquiries, tips, or information can be directed to Antioch Police Detective Arturo Becerra at (925) 779-6937 or by email at abecerra@antiochca.gov.

According to localcrimenews.com, Rowlett has a history of 25 arrests dating back to 2015 by Antioch Police and the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Department on weapons and drug charges and for crimes including vandalism, burglary, multiple counts of disobeying a domestic relations court order and multiple counts of failure to appear.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, the five-foot, four-inch tall, 162-pound suspect is Hispanic, but also listed as white, and being held on $500,000 bail in the West County Detention Facility.

By Allen D. Payton

During their meeting on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, the Antioch City Council voted unanimously to approve the following proclamation recognizing Homelessness Awareness Month in November.

HOMELESSNESS AWARENESS MONTH

November 2025

WHEREAS, November is recognized as Homelessness Awareness Month across the United States to recognize the numerous reasons people become homeless, the challenges faced by adults, young adults, youth, and families experiencing homelessness, and to mobilize community-wide efforts toward lasting solutions;

WHEREAS, the City of Antioch recognizes that homelessness impacts individuals and families from all walks of life;

WHEREAS, research shows that criminalizing homelessness worsens the crisis and deepens existing racial inequities and systemic disparities;

WHEREAS, according to the January 2025 Point-in-Time count, the City of Antioch had the highest number of unsheltered individuals in Contra Costa County – 246 persons, representing approximately 11.6 percent of the countywide total – a significant decrease from 413 persons counted in 2024;

WHEREAS, the City of Antioch, through the Opportunity Village program, is providing interim housing and supportive services for 37 Devpar, specific, encampment residents and their 25 dogs;

and WHEREAS, the City of Antioch is committed to working in coordination with Contra Costa County and local organizations to provide housing, shelter, supportive services, and basic resources to all people experiencing homelessness.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, RON BERNAL, Mayor of the City of Antioch, hereby proclaim November 2025 as “Homelessness Awareness Month” and encourage all City of Antioch citizens, partners and businesses to recognize the need for, and commit to building and sustaining, a coordinated and equity-driven continuum of care that meets the complex needs of people experiencing homelessness, rooted in dignity, equity, and hope. NOVEMBER 4, 2025

RON BERNAL, Mayor

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), a branch of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, “November is National Homelessness Awareness Month and National Homeless Youth Awareness Month. SAMHSA works in partnership with federal, state and local partners and national experts to provide training on housing, treatment and recovery models focused on adults, children, and families who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness and have serious mental illness and/or serious emotional disturbance, and substance use. These partnerships contribute to housing stability, recovery, and ending homelessness. SAMHSA also supports the field through technical assistance to states and localities, treatment systems and individual providers on these issues.”

For more information click, here.

By City of Antioch

The City of Antioch is looking for a visionary leader ready to make a difference as the Housing Manager. If you’re passionate about housing stability, equity and public service, this is your opportunity to lead transformative change in our community.

• Salary: $120,168.00 – $146,076 (DOQ)
• Full benefits including CalPERS retirement

Empathy, leadership, and collaboration required.

Apply now: Housing Manager | Job Details tab | Career Pages

Don’t wait—help us build a better Antioch.

Job Details

Under direction from the Public Safety and Community Resources Director, serves as the City’s principal authority on housing policy, strategy, and program implementation. Provides strategic leadership in planning, developing, and managing the City’s housing portfolio, including affordable housing development, homelessness response, tenant protections, and federally funded programs. Oversees and advances the City’s housing goals in alignment with state mandates, regional plans, and local priorities, ensuring regulatory compliance, fiscal stewardship, and community impact.  The Housing Manager manages, supervises, develops, maintains, directs and coordinates the activities of the Housing Division whose functions include providing direct public service. This position is responsible for embedding an equity lens, harm reduction, housing first, and cultural responsiveness throughout the Division’s programs and staff leadership, ensuring services are delivered with empathy, cultural competence, and respect for residents of all backgrounds and lived experiences.

Examples of Duties

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

1. Manage the operations of the Housing Division, including planning, developing, and administering housing programs, homelessness response initiatives, affordable housing projects, tenant/landlord mediation, and community funded activities, utilizing Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) federal funding, Housing Successor state funding, Permanent Local Housing Allocation (PLHA) state funding, and other federal, state and local funding sources.
2. Lead strategic planning, organization, and management of the Housing Division, implementing practical, long-term solutions to housing needs and affordable housing developments.
3. Provide leadership in embedding principles of equity, cultural responsiveness, harm reduction, and housing first across all Housing Division programs and policies, ensuring staff are trained and programs are implemented with empathy and cultural competence.
4. Oversee preparation, implementation, and compliance for community grant programs with local, state, and federal agencies; maintain accurate records for all program activities and monitoring for compliance with applicable federal and state regulations.
5. Administer the City’s Fair Housing Program and Tenant/ Landlord and Rental Programs, including compliance with state and federal laws, and implementation of renter protections including tenant protection ordinances, rent stabilization, and anti-harassment and eviction protection programs.
6. Direct the City’s Unhoused Resident Services Program, including bridge housing, shower and laundry services, food distribution partnerships, and shelter referrals.
7. Monitor current and proposed legislation, codes, and policies affecting the City’s housing programs; recommend changes to City programs and policies as needed.
8. Identify and pursue funding opportunities; prepare and administer CDBG and Housing Successor Agency funds; ensure compliance with all funding requirements.
9. Oversee and monitor housing assistance programs such as the Antioch Home Ownership Program, Fair Housing Services, Rental Assistance, and Eviction Protection Programs.
10. Establish and manage performance metrics to evaluate housing program outcomes, ensuring data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement.
11. Negotiate and administer contracts with consultants, contractors, and developers related to Housing Division activities.
12. Coordinate community outreach and education activities; maintain positive relationships with residents, nonprofits, developers, lenders, and real estate professionals.
13. Prepare staff analyses and reports for City Council, the CDBG Standing Committee, and the Planning Commission; attend and present at public meetings.
14. Coordinate housing program activities with other City departments; represent the Housing Division at community and regional meetings; address citizen complaints and concerns.
15. Manage the Division’s budget, monitor expenditures, and maintain established service levels and objectives.
16. Represent the City in regional housing discussions with other agencies and community groups.
17. Develop, train, and implement new or revised housing policies, standards, and regulations.
18. Supervise, train, and evaluate assigned staff.
19. Maintain strong working relationships with co-workers, other City employees, and the public using principles of excellent customer service.
20. Perform related duties as required.

Typical Qualifications

The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Principles, practices, and regulations related to affordable housing program administration and development.
• Principles of harm reduction, housing first, and equity-centered program administration, and their application in supervising staff and designing housing and homelessness policies.
• Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program requirements, including eligible activities, compliance, and reporting as evidenced by HUD.
• Principles of housing development, rehabilitation, and construction.
• Federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations governing public housing development and rehabilitation programs.
• Best practices for addressing homelessness, including trauma-informed care and housing-first models.
• Affordable housing program finance and administration, including grants, budgets, and feasibility analysis.
• Research methods, data analysis, and needs assessment techniques related to housing trends.
• Legislative processes at the county, state, and federal level related to housing and homelessness.
• Principles and methods of community outreach, stakeholder engagement, and public communication.
• Budget development, financial management, and resource allocation.
• Project and contract management principles and negotiation strategies.
• Management, supervision, training, and employee development techniques.

ABIITY TO:

• Plan, organize, and administer complex housing programs and projects within established requirements and guidelines.
• Lead with empathy and cultural responsiveness, fostering a team culture that respects diverse socioeconomic backgrounds, lived experiences, and varying abilities.
• Develop and implement affordable housing strategies that address community needs.
• Analyze and interpret housing finance data to evaluate program costs and benefits.
• Interpret, apply, and explain housing-related laws, regulations, and policies clearly to a wide range of audiences.
• Identify and pursue grant and funding opportunities from multiple sources; prepare competitive applications and ensure compliance with funding requirements.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with community groups, agencies, developers, and internal City departments.
• Negotiate and manage contracts and agreements effectively.
• Communicate effectively in writing and orally, including delivering clear and persuasive presentations.
• Supervise, train, and evaluate the work of assigned staff.
• Prepare accurate, clear, and concise written reports, budgets, and correspondence.
• Organize work, set priorities, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing priorities.
• Represent the City professionally in meetings, negotiations, and public events.
• Maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion in handling sensitive information.
• Model and enforce safe work practices. 

Education and Experience Guidelines

Education/ Training:

1. Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in Urban Planning, Community Development, Public Administration, Business Administration, Social Work, Housing Studies, or a related field.

Experience:

1. Five years of progressively more responsible experience in housing program development and implementation, with 
2. At least two years in a supervisory capacity.

License or Certificate:

1. Possession of an appropriate, valid driver’s license.  An out-of-state valid Motor Vehicle Operator’s License will be accepted during the application process, but a valid California license must be obtained within six (6) months of appointment to the position.

Supplemental Information

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Environment: 
Work is performed primarily in a standard office setting with travel to different sites; incumbents may be required to work extended hours including evenings and weekends and may be required to travel outside City boundaries to attend meetings.

Physical: 
Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in an office setting and field environment; to stand or sit for prolonged periods of time; stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist; to lift, carry, push, and/or pull moderate amounts of weight; to operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination including use of a computer keyboard; to travel to other locations using various modes of private and commercial transportation; and to verbally communicate to exchange information.

To serve homeless veterans; volunteers needed

Community Day Sept. 13 is for anyone and everyone

By Delta Veterans Group

The Delta Veterans Group brings Contra Costa County (CCC) “Stand Down on the Delta” a Homeless Veterans’ “Hand Up” event every other year (2015, 2017, 2019….) DVG is proud to bring Stand Down on the Delta 2025, September 12-15, to the Contra Costa County Fairgrounds in Antioch.

This is a four-day event wherein U.S. military veterans receive services in Medical, Dental, Veterans Treatment Court, Housing, Job Placement, Mental Health and Drug and Alcohol Counseling.

We are also looking for volunteers. Please contact us through our website at Contact Us | Delta Veterans Group.

To date the Stand Down on the Delta biennial event has helped thousands of veterans and their families, served thousands of meals, given away over 1,100 pairs of boots, over 1,500 sleeping bags, over 1,300 pairs of new jeans, $500,000 in dental care, taken over 200 veterans fishing on our Delta shores and helped many more find permanent housing.

We work with over 70 different organizations during our four day Stand Down on the Delta event. In September of 2019 over 850 Volunteers from around the State of California and even as far as South Carolina came to Antioch to help us provide these great services to our veterans.

About DVG

Delta Veterans Group is a 501(c)3 Veterans service non-profit that assists our Nation’s finest men and women with housing, employment, health, and education services. Founded in Contra Costa County in 2012 by Army veteran J.R. Wilson, DVG has now grown to provide services to surrounding Northern California areas including Alameda, Monterey, Napa, San Joaquin, San Francisco and Solano counties.