By: Sakai Jones, YoloCares
February 13, 2025 — DAVIS, Calif. (February 12, 2025) — YoloCares has promoted Adi “Dee” Rasilau to serve as the manager of Joshua’s House, the West Coast’s first facility dedicated to providing compassion, dignity, and high-quality medical care for individuals who would otherwise die alone and on the streets.
Supported by both the City and County of Sacramento and numerous private and public donors, Joshua’s House will be a 15 bed, 5 cottage facility in South Natomas (Sacramento metropolitan area). It is the fruit of visionary educator, researcher, and public servant, Marlene von Friederichs-Fitzwater, PhD, whose tireless work on behalf of unsheltered and unhoused people is inspired by the life and death of her own grandson, Joshua, and his experience on the streets.
“Joshua’s House is an opportunity to be part of something transformational,” says Rasilau. “It’s more than just a care facility; it’s a sanctuary for those who need it most. This isn’t just a job for me—it’s a calling. I’m motivated by the chance to make a real, lasting difference in the lives of those who have been marginalized and overlooked.”
Rasilau has been a key leader at YoloCares since 2023, serving as manager of the volunteer program, where she increased the number of certified volunteers by over 60 percent and nearly doubled the hours they contribute to support YoloCares’ patients and families. “With a strong background in hospice care, patient advocacy, and leadership, Rasilau also brings extensive lived experience working with unhoused individuals, making her uniquely suited to lead Joshua’s House with both expertise and empathy,” according to Chris Erdman, Director of the Center for Loss & Hope / Joshua’s House.
“I’ve spent years serving individuals during their most vulnerable moments, and I know firsthand the power of compassionate, person-centered care,” Rasilau adds. “Through Joshua’s House, I will leverage my skills and experience to build a legacy of care, support, and empowerment for those who deserve dignity and hope.”
As manager of Joshua’s House, Rasilau will work closely with Erdman to develop the program’s infrastructure, onboard staff and volunteers, cultivate partnerships with health systems and social service agencies, and engage the broader community through open house events.
Louise Joyce, director of community programs at YoloCares, shares her enthusiasm for Rasilau’s appointment: “Dee Rasilau is a proven and excellent project and relationship manager, a collaborator and leader with an empathetic heart. It’s an honor to have Dee step into this role. This is a great opportunity for her, YoloCares, and the communities of the region as she continues to expand her leadership while serving our unhoused neighbors in their final chapter of life.”
Rasilau officially begins her new role on March 1, 2025, as Joshua’s House prepares to open its doors in late spring or early summer. As she steps into this leadership position, Rasilau remains committed to honoring the vision of Marlene von Friederichs-Fitzwater, whose dream of providing dignity and care to the most vulnerable is now becoming a reality.
“My goal,” says Rasilau, “is to ensure that every resident feels seen, valued, and empowered. Joshua’s House will be a beacon of hope, and I am honored to help bring this vision to life.”
For more information about Joshua’s House and YoloCares, please visit yolocares.org, joshuashousehospice.org, or contact Chris Erdman, cerdman@yolocares.org.
YoloCares is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing compassionate, person-centered hospice and palliative care services across the region. Through innovative programs like Joshua’s House, YoloCares continues to lead the way in ensuring dignity and comfort for all individuals facing the end of life or life-limiting circumstances.
YoloCares is a community-rooted end-of-life care agency that serves the counties of Yolo, Sacramento, Sutter, Solano, and Colusa. The agency offers hospice, palliative care, caregiver resources, community grief support and adult day care services. To learn more about YoloCares’ programs, visit www.yolocares.org or call (530) 758-5566.
