Homeless Still Need Help in the Spring

Warm weather is here, but that doesn't mean that people without a safe place to live don't need help.

The Cold Weather Shelter (operated at the Gilroy Armory) closed for the season on March 30. There is no emergency shelter available in South County until it reopens at the end of November.

Without this resource, the hundreds of homeless families and individuals in Gilroy are in even greater need of clothing, blankets, personal care items and transportation assistance.

Thirty to forty homeless individuals and families visit the every day. Many are looking for jobs and housing listings, other are in need of referrals for medical care, food or social services.

Many are in families with children. With the shelter closed, they sleep outdoors, in car, or in structures not meant for human habitation.

They are in need of seasonally appropriate clothing (men, women and children), such as T-shirts, jeans, socks and underwear; personal care items, such as toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, sunscreen, deodorant, razors, incontinence supplies and soap; supplies such as blankets, backpacks and towels; transportation assistance such as bus tokens, gas cards and transit passes; snack items such as instant oatmeal, instant soups, single-serve puddings and fruit cups, granola bars and protein bars.

Operating supplies such as laundry detergent, toilet paper, cleaning supplies and office supplies are also welcome. Volunteer opportunities are available! (In fact, join the volunteer team at the to have fun AND raise funds for the center!)

Donations are tax-deductible and may be dropped off at the Gilroy Compassion Center, 8425 Monterey Road, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Monetary donations may be made online at www.gilroycompassioncenter.org or mailed to P.O. Box 233, Gilroy, CA 95021. For more information, call (408) 763-7120.