The 64-year-old, still a little shaky from a bad bout of pneumonia, struggled to find an apartment she could afford.
A friend put her in touch with Marvin Rothschild and Sue Langdon, who had a roof over Sutton’s head in a matter of hours.
Sutton is one person of about 30 households the Coalition of Tracy Citizens to Assist the Homeless has helped put up in houses, apartments or hotels since October.
The group will host a Valentine’s Benefit Variety Show on Feb. 13 to raise money for the fledgling coalition, started in September by Rothschild and Langdon, director and assistant director.
Con Funk Shun’s Danny Thomas Revue, a California R&B and funk band, will headline the show.
The Children’s Dance Theater is another of several acts slotted.
The coalition has, in just a few months, pooled clothes, blankets, household items and money to give to those in need.
Rothschild and Langdon have worked with Tracy police officers and compiled a pamphlet with information about where people can go to get a hot meal or donated clothes.
Langdon, who owns RealtyWorld Corral Hollow Property Management on 10th Street, matches people down on their luck with willing landlords. The coalition also helps with rental deposits and helps tenants find assistance to pay the rent.
Sutton, who said she volunteers and donates what she can, said the group isn’t just there for the homeless. With the economy the way it is and the way people are losing their jobs, anyone could find themselves without a place to sleep.
“Sometimes, people are just a paycheck away,” she said.
For information and a complete lineup of the show, go to www.helpforhomelessintracy.com.
At a glance
• WHAT: Valentine’s Benefit Variety Show
• WHEN: 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Feb. 13
• WHERE: Grand Theatre Center for the Arts,
715 Central Ave.
• COST: $25 for show tickets; $50 for show and dinner afterward with performers
• INFO: 831-6858
I like it better than the parking ticket story. Moving in the right direction. Very good job! Thanks to the coalition for your efforts!