Norma Rossi suffered a massive and debilitating stroke in the late 1960s that left her paralyzed and unable to speak. She silently prayed for recovery so she could take care of her seven children. She spent the next ten years in surgeries, five of which were in a wheelchair learning to speak again. When she recovered, she and her husband, Bruce, decided they would devote the rest of their lives helping the homeless in thanks to God. They founded the San Diego Coalition for the Homeless and incorporated the nonprofit organization in 1973.. They bought a Santa suit and had a homeless man play Santa for their first Christmas party for the needy children. The shoppers in downtown San Diego had no idea what the hustle and bustle was about at the Salvation Army parking lot at 8th and F Streets. A gasoline generator lighted a huge, fully decorated Christmas tree. The line of children grew to over 300. Two elves dug into a huge box to find just the right toy for each child. During the third Christmas party, cold wind blew as if it was from the North Pole. Norma went before the San Diego City Council and told them about her plight. The Council approved her request and allowed the Coalition use of Plaza Hall at the Community Concourse. The city also gave employees four hours off to help wrap the thousands of donated gifts.

The Coalition created a scholarship fund in 2006 to further encourage the children to stay in school and pursue higher education to help break the cycle of poverty. Our fund will be directed to needy children who are academically qualified to enter college or trade schools.

Norma’s work is legend in San Diego and she has been tireless in her efforts to help the disadvantaged. Norma retired in 2003 but her legacy lives. The Coalition will continue to strive to do what Norma did for the community.

_{Norma Rossi at the Coalition outreach location.}