City of Monterey helps homeless find shelter this winter
As a cold and wet winter settles in, the City of Monterey said it’s working to keep the area’s homeless dry and warm. The city announced Monday it is handing out $28,000 to local agencies to help the homeless find shelter this winter.
There are more than 2,000 homeless people in Monterey County and a recent survey said about 300 of them are sleeping on the city streets of Monterey.
“There are a lot of resources that are available on our peninsula now for the homeless, but of course shelter is the biggest need and that’s the hardest to find,” said Kim Bui-Burton, Community Services Director.
Bui-Burton said the money will be distributed to four social service agencies:
1) $7,000 for motel vouchers and bus passes to the Salvation Army Good Samaritan Center. Monterey police will have an additional $1,500 in vouchers.
2) $9,712 for overnight shelter at Monterey Methodist Church through Outreach Unlimited and I-Help.
3) $5,040 for motel rooms for mentally ill homeless through the Interim/McHome program.
4) $5,000 to provide emergency shelter for youth at Safe Place operated by Community Human Services.
The Safe Place Emergency Shelter just opened last week for the first time.
“We have the capacity for up to 12 youths. It’s a first-come first-served basis. We’ll be able to provide dinner for them and also a snack the next morning,” said Shirley Millico, Safe Place Program Officer.
Community members are also showing their support this winter. A Monterey couple, Rose and David Eaton, are collecting jackets for the homeless and have setup donation boxes at downtown stores.
“I just say would you like a jacket and 100 percent has been yes,” said Rose Eaton.
The cold weather is a big factor. City leaders said they had to act fast, especially after two homeless men died from the cold last month.
“Looking at the severe weather conditions that are predicted and also looking at the unfortunate demise of these two individuals, the council really felt that it was time to see if we can do something now,” said Bui-Burton.
