Homelessness In Sonoma County

After a recent meeting of community health outreach workers from various agencies around the county, I learned that there is a dire need this winter for emergency housing solutions. Here are the very basics...

Are there vacant, (bank-owned) buildings in industrial areas that could be available for temp use this winter?
Are there officers who gave give homeless people a break this winter if they find a homeless person who within a small bit of shelter?
Can the Faith Communities provide space, money or services to help?
You can help by networking this message to your community. Spread the word...

The Task Force for the Homeless is doing its Winter Warmth Drive right now. Donate coats and sleeping bags. Catholic Charities and The Living Room are both collecting donations of blankets, sleeping bags, and tarps. SAY has a backpack program for homeless youth.
Next time you donate children's clothes, think of the Living Room Day Shelter for Women and their children. Thank you.

My two cents- if you're going to spend money this Christmas, please consider making a donation on someone's behalf.
*I am a big fan of Smart Wool socks and if I were a homeless mama, I couldn't think of any single better gift. (wool- keeps you warm, even when its wet.)

If you or someone you know is in need of services, call 211 or The Task Force for the Homeless can refer services to you. (575-4494)
God and Goddess Bless Us All Everyday.

West County Community Services is working on getting the Winter Shelter in Guerneville up and running for the winter and they are doing intakes on Mondays and Thursdays for the homeless in Guerneville.

There is also a community meeting with RASAD, the community group working on the homeless issues of west county with WCCS on November 3rd, in the Guerneville Vets Hall from 6:30-9 PM. They will be giving an update of their efforts.

Homelessness is a difficult issue especially because of the bad state of the economy. There are a lot more people in need. I manage the Russian River Empowerment Center, which is a drop in center for people with severe mental illnesses, and we have had a lot of people who are in need come to us looking for help. Its heartbreaking when the kids come in looking for help. We try to give them info on where to get food and services but we can only do so much.

Anything anyone can do to get involved and help those in need would be great.

Jessica Wolfe
Co-director Russian River Empowerment Center
A project of WCCS & Family Service Agency of Sonoma County
16390 Main Street
Guerneville
707-604-7264
[email protected]
www.westcountyservices.org