[KHTS] – Bridge to Home, Santa Clarita’s only homeless shelter, is preparing to open the shelter early and stay open approximately 30 days longer in anticipation of an El Nino winter.
“Conservatively, we’ll need to raise an additional $25,000 to cover additional expenses,” said Tammy McGivern, from Bridge to Home. “The funds will cover the additional costs like meals, supplies and money to pay the staff so we can provide a warm, safe place for our neighbors experiencing homelessness.”
To make a donation, visit here.
The normal opening date for Bridge to Home’s shelter is Nov. 23, but they are hoping to open in early November, said McGivern.
The decision to open the shelter early comes after the Board of Supervisors approved a motion which will invest $15 million on programs to rehouse the homeless rapidly and try to prevent homelessness.
The money for the programs will come from the Los Angeles County’s Homeless Prevention Initiative fund, which started with $50 million at the beginning of this fiscal year and recently grew by another $51 million, according to the county.
The Board also voted to provide extra funding for homeless shelters to open up approximately one month earlier than normal due to the likelihood of a severe El Nino season, said Kathryn Barger, chief deputy to Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich.
The board also signed off on a decision to increase beds for more capacity, Barger said.
“There are so many exciting things coming up with Bridge to Home, the haunted house, the shelter opening early, Soup for the Soul, Giving Thanksgiving, Casino Night, Caring & Sharing festival, food donation drive, Wakefield Court holiday lights and Santa’s Helpers Food & Winter Wear drive,” McGivern said. “We are looking for more volunteers for these events.”
To find out more about the events and to volunteer visit their website here.
Bridge to Home operates an emergency winter shelter at 23031 Drayton Street which normally holds a maximum of 60 single men and women. The phone number in the shelter office is 661-388-0086.
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3 Comments
This is great news for the homeless population here in SCV. BTH you are doing a GREAT JOB.
Tried to call the number to get info for one of my kids friends who needs help and there was no answer. Tried several times. Maybe a phone could be set up to forward calls to someone’s cell who has info?
A real shame that even with the money and approval it could not be worked out to have the shelter open 10-15-2015
If not someone to answer the phone maybe a message with updated info on when it will open, what is being done, what they can help with, etc.