Inclement Weather Episode Declared for the Entire Santa Clara County
Additional Shelter Beds are Available the evening of Jan. 5, 2017
In response to the National Weather Service forecast of temperatures dropping into the 30s, the County of Santa Clara Office of Supportive Housing is declaring an Inclement Weather Episode for the entire County starting Thursday evening, January 5, until Friday morning, January 6, 2017. This is the fifth Inclement Weather Episode the County has declared since Nov. 28, 2016.
The Office of Supportive Housing can expand its shelter capacity for inclement weather when there is a forecasted overnight low of 38 degrees or lower with a probability of rain less than 50 percent; or there is a forecasted overnight low of 42 degrees or lower with a probability of rain of 50 percent or greater.
During Inclement Weather episodes, the overnight capacity at the Gilroy Armory Winter Shelter will increase to 180 beds (from the regular 130 bed capacity), 50 of which will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Also – the overnight capacity at the Boccardo Reception Center will increase to 350 beds (from the regular 250 capacity), 100 of which are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Since the start of the Cold Weather Shelter Season, 411 individuals have been served at either Boccardo Reception Center, Gilroy Cold Weather Shelter or one of the four Overnight Warming Locations.
For people looking for temporary protection from the cold, the Gilroy Compassion Center (370 Tomkins Ct. just off of Murray Avenue in Gilroy) will be available as a Warming Center, according to its usual hours from 8:00 a.m. until noon, during the work week.
HomeFirst is currently accepting donations from the public to aid those seeking emergency shelter. Most needed items are:
· Blankets
· Rain ponchos
· Towels
· Socks
· Small toiletries
· Deodorant
· T-shirts
Donations can be dropped off at the following locations:
HomeFirst Admin Offices
Monday-Friday: 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. (During business hours)
Sobrato Center for Nonprofits
507 Valley Way, Milpitas, CA 95035
(408) 539-2100
After business hours:
HomeFirst – Boccardo Reception Center
2011 Little Orchard Street, San Jose, CA 95125
Safety tips during cold weather
· If possible, avoid being outside during the coldest part of the day, or for extended periods of time in extreme cold weather
· Dress in layers
· Wear a hat if possible, preferably one that covers your ears
· Mittens provide more warmth than gloves
· Wear waterproof, insulated boots to avoid hypothermia or frostbite
· Stay hydrated
· Get out of wet clothes as soon as possible
· Drinking alcohol and staying outside in cold temperatures can be deadly. Avoid excessive consumption of alcohol if you will be staying outside
About Hypothermia
Hypothermia is a medical emergency that happens when your body loses heat faster than it can produce heat, causing a dangerously low body temperature. Normal body temperature is about 98.6 F, and hypothermia occurs when your body temperature drops below 95 F.
People who are 65 and older, or very young children are at a higher risk for hypothermia. Alcohol, drug use and medications can also increase the risk for hypothermia. Left untreated, hypothermia limits your nervous system from working correctly. It can cause a complete failure of your heart, respiratory system, and it can even be fatal.
Symptoms of hypothermia are:
· Confusion
· Dizziness
· Exhaustion
· Severe shivering
· Clumsiness and lack of coordination
· Slurred speech or mumbling
· Drowsiness or very low energy
· Weak pulse
· Slow, shallow breathing
· Progressive loss of consciousness
*** Seek medical attention if you experience some of these symptoms***
SHELTER INFORMATION
Gilroy Winter Shelter
National Guard Armory
8490 Wren Avenue, Gilroy, CA 95020
(408) 848-8023 (during operating hours only) or (408) 489-8781
This shelter has a capacity of 130 beds and serves adults and families by referral only. However, during inclement weather episode, additional 50 beds are added on a first-come, first-served basis.
The shelter will be open from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. daily. Clients must be onsite by 6:00 p.m. for intake. The shelter will provide a warm bed, two nutritious meals, and a hot shower. A variety of supportive services will also be offered, including guidance to help set short-term goals, employment resources, medical care, and referrals to other services. Volunteers provide haircuts and donated toiletries and clothing are available to those who need them. Finally, limited case management services will be provided by St. Joseph’s Family Center.
Ochoa Winter Family Shelter
Arturo Ochoa Migrant Center
Southside Road, Gilroy 95020
(408) 842-6662, ext. 21
This shelter will serve 35 homeless families who will be sheltered in individual units.
St. Joseph’s Family Center will provide intensive case management services to all the families, enabling them to receive the appropriate assistance they need to make the transition to stable housing. Referrals are handled by St. Joseph’s. This program is currently full and has a waitlist.
North County Winter Shelter- Referrals only
999 Hamlin Court, Sunnyvale, 94089
(408) 854-4670
This shelter will serve adults and families, with beds for up to 125 people. Referrals are handled by north county service providers, city staff, law enforcement and HomeFirst staff. This site is not able to increase capacity. The shelter will be open from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m. daily. Clients must be onsite by 5:00 p.m. for intake. The shelter will provide a warm bed, two nutritious meals, and a hot shower. A variety of supportive services will also be offered, including guidance to help set short-term goals, employment resources, medical care, and referrals to other services. Volunteers provide haircuts and donated toiletries and clothing are available to those who need them. This shelter does not expand its capacity during declared Inclement Weather Episodes.
Boccardo Reception Center
2011 Little Orchard, San Jose, 95125
(408) 510-7502
This shelter serves adults only. All beds that are not in use by regular programs will be made available up to the shelter’s capacity of 250. The shelter opens at 4:00 p.m. Clients must be onsite by 3:30 p.m. to join the lottery for bed assignments. The shelter provides a warm bed, two nutritious meals, and a hot shower. A variety of supportive services are also offered, including guidance to help set short-term goals, employment resources, medical care, and referrals to other services. Volunteers provide haircuts and donated toiletries and clothing are available to those who need them.
Sites below offer additional beds during inclement weather:
Bill Wilson Center
693 S. 2nd Street, San Jose, 95112
(408) 925-0231
City Team Ministries
1174 Old Bayshore Highway, San Jose, 95112
(408) 288-2153
Montgomery Street Inn
358 N. Montgomery St., San Jose, 95110
(408) 271-5160
Georgia Travis House
260 Commercial Street, San Jose, 95110
(408) 271-1630
Project WeHOPE
1854 Bay Road, East Palo Alto, 94303
(650) 330-8000
Salvation Army
359 N. 4th Street, San Jose, 95112
(408) 282-1175
City of San Jose Warming Centers
Each warming center has a capacity of 30 beds, with operating hours from 9 p.m. to 9 a.m. Please call (408) 510-7600 for more information.
· Bascom Community Center
1000 S. Bascom Avenue
· Tully Community Library
880 Tully Road
· Biblioteca Latinoamericana Branch Library
921 S. 1st Street
· Washington United Youth Center (Family Overnight Warming Center)
921 S. 1st Street, Suite B
