"Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, Do Better." - Maya Angelou
Humanitarian Action Network (HAN) is a 100% volunteer-run nonprofit organization that provides direct, street-level support to people experiencing homelessness throughout Sacramento and Elk Grove. We keep our business expenses low so that the maximum amount of our donations can be directed toward supporting people experiencing homelessness in the community.
Humanitarian Action Network is also proud to be an environmentally responsible organization. We strive to use only biodegradable food containers, utensils, and bags. Whenever possible we serve Gatorade and water from a dispenser rather than distribute plastic bottles. We remove all unnecessary packaging from products before distribution to minimize litter. We also offer a battery recycling service so that they do not end up improperly disposed of in the environment.
Founder, President and Executive Director
Jessica moved to the Sacramento area from the Bay Area in 2006. She has been working to support people experiencing homelessness in Sacramento since 2015, and founded Humanitarian Action Network in 2018 with Jay Patel and Chris Gugino.
She works full time at Kaiser Permanente, and has been there
Founder, President and Executive Director
Jessica moved to the Sacramento area from the Bay Area in 2006. She has been working to support people experiencing homelessness in Sacramento since 2015, and founded Humanitarian Action Network in 2018 with Jay Patel and Chris Gugino.
She works full time at Kaiser Permanente, and has been there since 2005. Her Master’s degree is in Health Care Administration from California State University, East Bay, and her undergrad is in Psychology from California State University, Sacramento.
Co-Founder & Executive Vice President
Jay is a 35-plus year resident of the Sacramento area, and has witnessed the increase in the homeless population in our community over the years. He feels very fortunate to be able to dedicate his time volunteering for Humanitarian Action Network. Jay applies his Executive MBA skills to help us run a lean business with extremely low overhead.
Secretary
Sue moved to Sacramento (from Michigan) in 2020 to join her daughter (Jordan) and son-in-law (Abhi) as he completes a 4-year neurology residency at UC Davis. Sue spent 40 years as a recreational therapist and specialized in working with people who had sustained traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries and was an aquatic speciali
Secretary
Sue moved to Sacramento (from Michigan) in 2020 to join her daughter (Jordan) and son-in-law (Abhi) as he completes a 4-year neurology residency at UC Davis. Sue spent 40 years as a recreational therapist and specialized in working with people who had sustained traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries and was an aquatic specialist for people with disabilities. She developed and created an adaptive sports program (SportsAbility) and also taught at University. She is now happy for her full time job as “Nanny Grammy” for her 1 year old granddaughter, Kira, and for the opportunity to assist HAN and continue to learn about helping our unhoused neighbors. Other interests include her rescue dogs, swimming, travel, crafts, reading and visiting with friends and family around the country! Sue is honored to be a board member for this excellent organization.
Chief Financial Officer
Kristina relocated from the Bay Area to Sacramento in 2014 and fell in love with the city's vibrant culture and diversity. She has an Executive MBA and works full-time in management and finance in the construction industry. Kristina believes volunteerism and advocacy are driving forces for creating change, and feels
Chief Financial Officer
Kristina relocated from the Bay Area to Sacramento in 2014 and fell in love with the city's vibrant culture and diversity. She has an Executive MBA and works full-time in management and finance in the construction industry. Kristina believes volunteerism and advocacy are driving forces for creating change, and feels proud to join HAN in support of people experiencing homelessness in her community.
Co-Founder & Director of Outreach
Chris has called Sacramento home since 2003. She loves Sacramento and feels it's her responsibility to give back to her community and to its most vulnerable members. Chris has worked in social services and as a mental health provider to children and families for almost 20 years. In her spare time she enjo
Co-Founder & Director of Outreach
Chris has called Sacramento home since 2003. She loves Sacramento and feels it's her responsibility to give back to her community and to its most vulnerable members. Chris has worked in social services and as a mental health provider to children and families for almost 20 years. In her spare time she enjoys time with her family and friends, cooking and eating with her wife, gardening, live music, and all things outdoors.
Check out Humanitarian Action Network's 2021 Yearbook to see what we accomplished!
Check out Humanitarian Action Network's 2020 Yearbook to see what we accomplished!
Humanitarian Action Network, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Contributions are tax deductible in accordance with state and federal regulations.
Copyright © 2018 Humanitarian Action Network, Inc. - All Rights Reserved.
Tax ID: 83-1819317.
HAN's winter support wish list is designed to help us quickly provide critical supplies to people on the streets during cold and wet weather. Click the button to open our Walmart wish list. Check event section below to learn about our next blanket and coat drive!