The San Benito County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA), Community Services & Workforce Development (CSWD) and the Community Action Board (CAB) announce the extension of the Warming Shelter services through April 15.
“With the anticipation of additional rain due to El Niño, our homeless community will have a warm bed, a hot dinner, breakfast and a lunch until April 15,” said Enrique Arreola, deputy director for CSWD. The shelter opened on Dec. 1, 2015.
On the first night, only one guest took the opportunity for shelter. However, the number of guests began to steadily increase each day. Currently, an average of 28 guests are staying at the Warming Shelter. A total of 50 guests have been served and a total of 2,019 beds have been used from December through February. Guests are provided the same room and bed each night along with a locker and are transported to and from the shelter. In addition, a security officer is provided to ensure the safety of everyone. The shelter can house a maximum of 40 homeless individuals.
Bus picks up at 4:30 p.m. Riverbed; 4:45 p.m. Straw Hat Pizza; 5 p.m. My Father’s House; and 5:10 p.m. at Dunne Park.
The shelter is open from 5:30 p.m. – 8 a.m. Breakfast is served at 7:15 a.m.; a sandwich lunch is provided; and dinner is at 5:30 p.m.
We are grateful for the support of the Farm Labor Association in allowing the extension of the Southside Labor Camp for the use of the Warming Shelter. We are also thankful to the City of Hollister and to all our partners from the Local Homeless Planning Committee for all your support and contributions.
We have received positive feedback from the community and from our guests. At the Community Action Board meeting on January 14, 2016 guests shared the following:
“After being on the streets he stated the Winter Shelter is a luxury. He appreciates the staff, guests and also the activities & recovery/support programs, most especially the Celebrate Recovery program which is not just about drugs and alcohol, but life recovery.”
“I was expecting the shelter to be like basic training, but have found a family there. It has been life changing. I appreciate the support and outpouring of unconditional love and am so thankful for the services they provide.”
“My home burned down and after some hard luck I found myself homeless. I didn’t want to be a burden on my family and found out about the WS. I’m so happy to be at the shelter and have found support in a family atmosphere. I’m hoping that in time, housing will becoming available, in the meantime I’m glad to have the shelter as it is a safe place. Staff is wonderful and very kind.”
For more information, contact the Community Services and Workforce Development (CSWD) or Enrique Arreola at (831) 637-9293.