Identifying resources for the homeless as temperatures drop
Rain and cold weather have made for a tough winter for members of the Central Coast homeless community.
The Coalition of Homeless Service Providers says shelters and beds are needed but also volunteers to help out at local shelters.
Funding continues to be an issue as well, but a “change in perspective” from the public is also important.
“Many people in our community believe homeless people are attracted to our area and come here for the beach and weather,” says CHSP Executive Officer, Katherine Thoeni. “Our statistics, however, show time and time again that the vast majority of people in the homeless community here are locals. That means teachers, doctors and even students.”
Homeless advocates say those who are homeless in the area are also victims of the housing crisis who don’t “choose” to be homeless.
The last homeless Census in 2017 saw a 23% increase in homeless individuals throughout Monterey County.
Marina in particular saw a 37% increase in its homeless population, meaning across the Central Coast hundreds of people are unsheltered and out in the rain and cold this winter.
Temporary shelter options are available but program operators say more resources are needed, along with a better understanding of the homeless.
“I challenge anybody to get a very thin blanket. Go outside at 2 in the morning and lay down on the concrete, pull that blanket up and then pray it doesn’t rain,” says Thoeni. “Then go on and tell me that somebody chose this lifestyle.”
This week as well as next week city leaders will be meeting to discuss HEAP funding and homelessness on the Central Coast.
Marina will meet this evening to discuss the homeless census and available resources at 6:30 pm.
Seaside is scheduled to meet tomorrow about a potential location for a new homeless shelter.
Meanwhile Santa Cruz is still mulling over ideas regarding a homeless encampment in city limits. That meeting is scheduled to take place next week.
List of Resources for Homeless Individuals in Monterey County:
Victory Mission, Inc. Salinas, CA 43 Soledad Street 831-424-5688 Community Homeless Solutions Marina, CA 3087 Wittenmyer Ct. 831-384-3388 Seaside Women’s Shelter Seaside, CA N/A 831-422-2201 Coalition of Homeless Services Providers Marina, CA 220 12th Street 831-883-3080 I-Help Monterey, CA 501 El Dorado Street 831-601-4564 Safe Place Monterey, CA 590 Pearl Street 831-373-4421
