With inclement weather on the way, Sunnyvale Community Services and HomeFirst are gearing up for the opening of a new cold weather shelter at the Onizuka airfield.
Plenty of items are still needed, and the organizations are even looking for a van to shuttle people to and from the shelter.
“We need either $30,000 or someone to donate a gently used vehicle, at least a minivan. That’s a huge need we have,” says Marie Bernard, Sunnyvale Community Services’ executive director. “There are going to be pick-up sites in Sunnyvale so that people can go to and from because the site is not as pedestrian friendly as the armory was.”
It has been a long road to getting the temporary shelter up and running. The former site of a cold weather shelter, the Sunnyvale Armory, was closed to make way for housing for the homeless. In the years since its closing, there was back-and-forth debate between the city and Santa Clara County officials about where to place a new temporary shelter. The Onizuka location was selected late September by the Sunnyvale City Council. It was on track to open Nov. 30; however, due to construction and inspection delays, it will open Dec. 5, according to Bernard, who adds that workers are working around the clock to finish the new structure.
“I think the Sunnyvale community has always been so generous to us,” says Claire Wagner, director of communications for HomeFirst, the organization that will be operating the shelter. “They really feel a definite ownership and commitment to the shelters. They were so supportive when we were at the armory, and I think the new location is in large part due to their persistence and caring, so we’re very grateful to them.”
Urgently needed items include thick sleeping bags, blankets, umbrellas, toiletries, disposable razors and gift cards to Safeway, Target and Payless ShoeSource. One generous person has already donated 200 winter caps, according to Bernard.
With the threat of rainy season on the way, plastic rain ponchos are also requested.
“That’s something we just don’t have a stock of,” says Wagner.
As for that requested vehicle, HomeFirst is looking for a minivan or similar 12-passenger van so that people can be shuttled from pick-up points to the shelter and then shuttled back in the morning.
In addition to the items and car, there is a need for food and volunteers to serve it, especially dinner. Dinner meals will need to feed 100 to 120 individuals and must be delivered and ready to serve as there will be no cooking facilities on-site at the shelter.
Individuals and groups can also volunteer to donate food for and prepare lunch bags and breakfast bags. Hard foods such as apples are not suggested.
Donated items can be dropped off at the Onizuka shelter site after Dec. 5 at 1100 Innovation Way or to Sunnyvale CommunityServices, 725 Kifer Road, Sunnyvale on weekdays Monday — Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For more information about donations, call 408.738.4298 and email info@svcommunityservices.org or donategoods@homefirstscc.org. Those interested in volunteering to serve meals or bring in food for meals can call or email at volunteer@homefirst.scc.org.
