GILROY
– Military training activities have interrupted a winter
homeless shelter program in North County, but so far they have
spared the program at Gilroy’s National Guard Armory on Wren
Avenue.
GILROY – Military training activities have interrupted a winter homeless shelter program in North County, but so far they have spared the program at Gilroy’s National Guard Armory on Wren Avenue.
County officials and homeless advocates say they’ve already had to vacate their standard location at the Sunnyvale armory several times this season, and will have to again next week when the National Guard returns from training activities.
But Joe Zenk of the county’s homeless services office said Thursday that National Guard activities aren’t a concern at the Gilroy shelter – or at least not at the present time. The 125-bed shelter closes for the season at the end of March.
“The guard there has been mobilized and we’ve been there without interruption,” he said. “But those things can change.”
In Gilroy, the First Baptist Church has provided space for the homeless when training exercises have interrupted South County’s shelter program in years past, Zenk said.
Despite the slumping economy, attendance at the Gilroy facility has been slightly down this year, said Maria Glymph of the Emergency Housing Consortium. While the Sunnyvale issues may cause some clients to gravitate to Gilroy, she does not expect many to do so.
“I don’t think it will cause a huge spike at this time,” she said.
Homeless advocates are currently seeking a temporary donated facility to house up to 100 homeless that will be displaced from Sunnyvale next week, Feb. 18 to 20. Although they need a North County location, they are spreading the word throughout the county in case citizens in this area have leads or connections that can help up north.
So far, response to a public awareness notice sent out earlier this week has been slight.
“Right now we’re desperate,” Glymph said. “If anyone has a solution and comes forward, we’ll be totally open.
“We’re trying to make sure these people have a place to stay.”
Requirements include a space of 5,000 to 6,000 square feet available for guests between 6 p.m. and 7 a.m. each day. Trained staff provide setup, remain on duty all night and clean up in the morning. Kitchen and shower facilities are not essential and extra toilets can be provided.
For information call 299-5121.
