Community Takes Root at North Point Apartments: Travis's Story
Thirteen years ago, Travis moved into a brand-new CHIP apartment community in Chico, CA—North Point Apartments—with a simple hope: to start his life “for real.” He remembers driving by the construction site often, watching the buildings rise with curiosity and optimism. The property looked promising: clean, thoughtfully designed, and full of potential.
He moved in with his friend and his partner, and over time, settled into the rhythms of the neighborhood. But after the pandemic, something shifted. The once-bustling community room sat empty. The garden beds went untended. Neighbors stopped saying hello. Like many others after the pandemic, Travis began to feel isolated and distant from his community.
But instead of retreating further, Travis did something brave: he stepped outside.
Despite his struggles with social anxiety, Travis began volunteering with CHIP’s Resident Services program—a decision that would not only help his neighbors but also help him heal.
“I like helping people and making them smile,” he says. “I can go home and have my panic attacks later,” he jokes with a quiet honesty. His courage isn’t loud or flashy—it’s steady, rooted in small, consistent acts of care.
He started with what he could control: keeping the common areas clean, tending the community garden, and greeting every neighbor he passed. And people noticed. Conversations bloomed. Residents began stopping by to chat or help water the plants. Children started showing up early and seeking Travis out around the property, eager to talk about vegetables and flowers.
One of Travis’s proudest contributions is the revitalization of the community garden. Alongside his neighbors, he’s helped cultivate beds of lettuce, kale, and pollinator-friendly flowers. But the most enthusiastic gardener? A five-year-old resident who shows up with boundless energy and a watering can.
“I didn’t expect to develop relationships with the kids here,” Travis admits. “But they’re the biggest community supporters. They love to learn and they’re always happy to help.”
He listens to them—really listens. Whether they’re sharing ideas for the garden or knocking on his door to talk about seed bombs, Travis makes sure their voices are heard. Travis even added Halloween decorations to the community garden at their request.
This past Halloween, Travis opened his door to trick-or-treaters for the first time. One child came by, grabbed some candy, and spread the word. Soon, more followed.
“There’s no neighborhood watch,” Travis says, “but we like to keep an eye on them.” This year, he planned a Halloween event in the community room alongside Resident Services, complete with fun games for children and candy prizes. He hopes to eventually grow a community pantry and prepare ready-to-go meals in the community room for families to grab food whenever they need it.
It’s these small gestures—offering candy to kids, creating access to food for families, checking in on a disabled neighbor, texting with a senior resident who’s become a friend—that weave the fabric of a real community. Travis doesn’t just live at North Point—he invests in it.
Even with all his involvement, Travis is still working through his social anxiety. Talking about it helps. But what helps most is knowing he’s making a difference.
“My passion and determination make me feel good,” he says. “I hope to make people feel less lonely overall.”
His partnership with CHIP staff, especially Resident Services Coordinator Cassie, has been key. “Cassie is awesome,” Travis says. “She knows how to have fun and really cares. We spend hours brainstorming together. We’re on the same page.”
Together, they’ve launched a book club, revived CalFresh programming at North Point, and created open hours in the community room with snacks and casual activities—spaces where neighbors can simply show up and connect.
For Travis, home has evolved. It’s no longer just the unit he lives in—it’s the people around him.
“Home is where you feel comfortable and safe,” he reflects. “It’s less about where I’m at and more about owning the space around me.”
Thanks to CHIP and residents like Travis, North Point Apartments isn’t just a place to live—it’s a place to belong. A place where gardens grow, kids laugh, and neighbors remember each other’s names. A place where one person’s quiet bravery can ripple outward and bring a whole community back to life.
