Monterey County’s first and only youth warming shelter readies for the holiday
“I came from Detroit, Michigan. Traveled so far to get a start to a new life. Going back home, it’s just all bad,” said Robert Kurdi.
Two and a half days on a Greyhound to the Golden State, but Robert Kurdi realized getting a new start isn’t always easy.
“When I first came here, I lost it all, and I just had like a select few clothing. You know, get a sleeping bag and go find a dry spot with a roof over it to try and get some sleep,” Kurdi said.
Safety is also a big concern for those on the street.
“They are susceptible to being sexually exploited, and victimized in numerous ways,” said Shirley Millico, program officer at Safe Space.
“It’s really important that we have a space just specifically designed for youth so they aren’t victimized, they aren’t taken advantage of,” Safe Place counselor Bianca Huicochea added.
That’s why safe place opened Monterey county’s first and only youth warming shelter in January.
A 2015 census found there are at least 270 homeless youth in the county, and the shelter is especially important since it’s been cold recently.
Whenever it rains or the temperature drops below 45 degrees, it converts two of its offices to bedrooms for 12.
Now, the shelter is getting ready to welcome its first Christmas, and the community is chipping in.
“Someone was kind enough to donate this pre-lit tree, and she donated all these beautiful ornaments, so what we did was we had a pizza party, she donated the pizza along with her friend,” Huicochea said.
“People every day have been bringing donations for our youth, which is wonderful. We will have everything wrapped, and they will have a Christmas dinner with presents to open, and you know, for a lot of these kids, they haven’t had that in a really long time,” Millico said.
A chance for Kurdi to celebrate again.
“They say friends are the family that you choose, you know, that you get to choose, so that’s the family I choose,” Kurid said.
Safe Space as accepting donations and anything that will keep the homeless youth warm can be dropped off at 590 Pearl Street in Monterey.
