The Homeless Coalition of San Benito County began operation in 2005 with a goal of providing temporary shelter to the homeless community during the cold winter months. The winter shelter program is an overnight facility which is leased at the Southside Migrant Farm Worker Camp just outside of Hollister.
The winter shelter operates during the months of November through March, allowing men and women in the homeless community a place to obtain a meal, shower and a warm bed along with laundry facilities and a variety of referrals to counseling services. According to Pat Loe, board chair, “the winter shelter has the ability to provide assistance to 28 individuals on any given night. Churches, community groups and other volunteers donate their time and efforts to furnishing and serving hot meals nightly while the Coalition staff works hard to put together breakfast and a sack lunch for the next day.”
Pastor Larry Diaz, Meet the Need Pastor at Sunnyslope Christian Center, states that his ministry team looks forward to this time of year. His team has been serving weekly dinners at the Winter Shelter for the past five years.
“It’s such a blessing for us to be able to give of our time and resources, even if it is only for five months,” Pastor Diaz said. “We wish there was more we could do because this population really needs our help.”
In addition to shelter, warm beds and meals, the Coalition owns a van that enables it to provide transportation to and from the shelter each day.
Community support through the 12 Days of Giving Program helps make it possible for the Coalition to provide a much needed service to a community of people who need to be shown care, compassion and patience so that they, in turn, can have hope.
Click here to visit the website of the Homeless Coalition of San Benito County.