Many homeless dealing with the cold even with available space in shelters

As near freezing overnight temperatures hit the Central Coast, many homeless people are left outside dealing with the cold, but it’s not always easy convincing them to come inside where it’s warm.

According to a census survey by CSUMB, there are about 2,000 homeless people in Monterey County.

Only about 30% of them take advantage of shelters. That means there are more than 1,300 people sleeping on the streets.

The small increase in the number of homeless using shelters falls far short of what they can handle.

“We’re happy we got more, we’d be happier if we got a lot more, because people are putting themselves at risk with the weather we’ve been seeing”, said Reyes Bonilla, the Executive Director of Shelter Outreach Plus in Marina.

The increase of homeless in these shelters is all due to the weather, many cold nights and rainy days. However, that’s still not enough of a boost to fill beds.

“There are certain issues that we or people that are homeless have to deal with. And one of those things is expectations, you know if people want to engage in activity that we don’t permit, that’s an issue”, said Bonilla.

The Victory Mission in Chinatown in Salinas faces a similar challenge.

“Encouraging our guests to be productive. Get themselves on track, don’t just come and stay and continue to stay and never do anything. We want to see you succeed. We are a step not a landing spot”, said Robert Sanderson, the Acting Director of the Victory Mission.

On an average night, about 20 to 30 people use the shelter, but it has a max capacity of 50 or so beds. On a night when temperatures are at or near freezing, there are still plenty of empty beds.

“Well it’s surprising especially when it’s cold and it’s wet out there, that expectations and rules would be an issue. But for some people that means a lot. And like I said, people who may be engaged in drugs or alcohol and these other activities would prefer to do that opposed to coming in”, said Bonilla.

The homeless also don’t want to leave their personal belongings behind, something they’re asked to do because there’s limited space at shelters.

The Shelter Outreach Plus in Marina has extended its hours in the mornings to help as many homeless they can keep warm.