The project to establish a
”
Permanent (365 days a year) Homeless Shelter,
”
in Gilroy is shaping up.
Dear Editor,
The project to establish a “Permanent (365 days a year) Homeless Shelter,” in Gilroy is shaping up. It is wonderful to see the spirit of enthusiasm and innovation which has been exhibited by many community members these past weeks.
I must point out that this program has seriously predated my involvement. Many wonderful people have spent countless hours, doing their best to help the homeless people in Gilroy.
Our fast track, preliminary success is due mostly to our community’s first attempt to establish a shelter on north Monterey Street. The positive fallout from that attempt has been an enhanced community awareness and a general acceptance as to the need for a transitional shelter in Gilroy. Many notable people set their hearts and talent on this project. Their own good efforts should not be discounted, nor should they go in vain.
In addition, the Gilroy homeless outreach task force, convened four years ago by Police Chief Denise Turner, has performed outreach work and case management which greatly benefits our homeless population.
The caregiver agencies which participate in this effort include: St. Joseph’s Family Center, Gardner Health Care, Community Solutions, South Valley Housing, Gavilan College, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, St. Mary’s Catholic, New Hope Community Church, South Valley Community Church, MACSA, Salvation Army, EHC Life Builders, The city of Gilroy, Santa Clara County and many others.
A special note of awareness goes out to key individuals and groups working hard for our vision to become reality;
Dion Bracco, concerned citizen and councilmember,
Denise Turner, chief of police,
Jan Bernstein Chargin, Gavilan College,
Reid Learner (pro-bono architect),
and the city staff, all should be commended for a job well done.
Agencies throughout Gilroy give care and support to our homeless people. We wish not to disrespect or minimize their efforts. We only seek to complement their efforts with proper beds, program coordination and enhancement.
Finally, remember this is not about one individual. I’m not an expert. I’m a donor and a guy with a building and a passion. Thank God, we have some real dedicated expert people in this community who are willing to try and make this vision a reality.
A humble thank you to you all.
Jim Currier, Gilroy
