Thanks on behalf of those who are aided by the Gilroy Compassion Center

Thanks on behalf of those who are aided by the Gilroy Compassion Center Dear Editor,
With the holidays upon us, the days shorter and the nights colder, I want to thank you everyone for the support they have shown throughout the year for the Gilroy Compassion Center and the hundreds of individuals we have served.
They include families with young children, veterans returned from war, seniors, people with disabilities, and working men and women in need of affordable housing.
This year a number of Gilroy Compassion Center volunteers and clients (and their dogs!) walked together in the Gilroy Holiday Parade. It was good to see so many friends participating, both as walkers and spectators, and to join in this celebration of our community.
At the Gilroy Compassion Center, anyone who is homeless can find welcoming respite from the street, and basic assistance such as personal care items, bathrooms, clean clothing, and nutritious breakfast and snacks. This winter, thanks to our amazing volunteers, the Compassion Center is opening two hours early (at 6 a.m.) Monday through Friday, to provide relief from the early morning cold outside.
Our day services connect people with resources for long-term stability, such as the Housing1000 database, housing and job listings, voicemail and mail center, and resource board. Partner agencies such as Gardner Health and Second Harvest provide services onsite. Special events like Project Homeless Connect bring resources from around the county to help people get back on their feet.
We couldn’t do it without the generous donations from people like you that provide clothing, jackets, blankets, toothbrushes, volunteers to run the center, and funding for operating expenses.
Over the coming months I will keep you informed as we take the next step in our plans to add overnight shelter/transitional housing to our services. Thank you for caring, and I wish you a joyous holiday season!
Jan Bernstein Chargin, Gilroy