09 Jan Bad Weather Prompts Homeless-Help Agencies to Gear Up

(Image courtesy of Contra Costa County)

By Michael J. Fitzgerald

The bad weather predicted for this week has prompted Contra Costa Health and other agencies to boost efforts to provide additional shelter and assistance for unhoused people.

Over the weekend, CCH announced that there would be an increase this week in capacity at shelters and in outreach efforts to get supplies into the hands of homeless persons who remain outdoors.

“Anyone needing assistance with shelter placement should contact the Contra Costa Crisis Center by calling 211,” CCH officials said in a press release Sunday.

CCH has temporarily expanded hours and staffing for the CORE homeless-outreach program to help with shelter placements and to deliver supplies, including tarps, blankets, sleeping bags, gloves and beanies to people without shelter.

Officials said they are in need of sleeping bags, gloves and beanies, tarps and blankets. Donations can be dropped off at 2400 Bisso Lane, Suite D in Concord.

Shelters and warming centers in the county have expanded assistance efforts as follows:

The overnight warming center at the Concord Service Center increased capacity from six slots to 15.

SHELTER, Inc. has added capacity for 10 families in Martinez and Pittsburg. Greater Richmond Interfaith Program added capacity for 20 adults and three families.

Trinity Center Winter Program in Walnut Creek added capacity for up to 50 adults.

Delta Landing in Pittsburg expanded by six beds.

And the Bay Area Rescue Mission in Richmond has up to nine beds available for men and up to 14 beds in the Women and Children’s Shelter.

Community members and organizations that would like to volunteer labor or space should contact the Bay Area chapter of the Red Cross.