The Homeless Coalition of San Benito County announced the opening of its new office at 335 San Benito St., Suite 200 in Hollister. The Coalition leased this space in late April and office furniture was donated by OneWorkPlace in Santa Clara.
The Coalition held its first official board meeting in the new office on May 30, when four new board members joined the organization. Current board members include: Chairwoman Pat Loe; Treasurer Michael Martin; Secretary Christy Orta; Robert Rivas; Christina Soto, Esperanza Prieto; Vince Luna and Christen Rivas.
The board also approved the formation of an advisory committee which will include law enforcement, local elected officials, faith-based organizations and legal representatives.
The Coalition is looking forward to this next season at the Winter Shelter having just been informed their emergency shelter funds grant in the amount of $150,000 was approved by the State of California Department of Housing and Community Development.
“We recognize how fortunate we are here in San Benito County, as we understand Santa Cruz and Monterey counties did not receive these funds this fiscal year,” stated Loe.
As an active participant in the County of San Benito’s Homeless Day Center Project Planning Group (the county received a $1.5 million Community Development Block Grant), the Coalition is hoping to continue to operate the Winter Shelter at this new location and shift its former capital campaign to off-season services for homeless individuals.
“None of our work would be possible without the generosity of our community,” the Coalition said in a press release. “We have more than 200 volunteers preparing and serving meals each season; and we are grateful for the charitable support of our major local funders: Community Foundation of San Benito County and the Monterey Peninsula Foundation.”