Recently, the shelter endeavored to transition from a cold-weather emergency shelter to a year-round overnight facility. Although it would be wonderful to be able to offer this longer-term solution to our unhoused neighbors, this change proved to be unworkable with our current financial situation. Here’s a statement from Keith about the latest changes to the shelter schedule:
“I want to thank all the people who have helped us on a continuous basis. As you know, Westside Neighbors Shelter typically offers cold-weather emergency overnight stays on cots in the Legion Hall auditorium from November through March. A few weeks ago, out of an abundance of compassion for those in need, we decided not to eliminate overnights once the weather grew warmer. We continued to offer breakfast, dinner, and overnight stays for 40 people.
“However, with the new political reality and economic uncertainty in our country, donations to us and other organizations have dropped while the number of people who need help has grown. We found our resources so rapidly depleted that we realized we can’t afford to run the shelter full-time right now. For the survival of the shelter, we must return to our original model: starting Saturday, April 19, the shelter will once again function as a Warm Up Center only, 7 am to 11 am every day, including a hot breakfast.
“So many of our clients stop by my office each day and say, “Thank you for what you’re doing for us.” Our goal is to someday provide services year-round, full-time, to our neighbors who need help with basic day-to-day living. I am determined to make this a reality, with help from donors and volunteers who want to make a difference.”