Meeting the Needs of the Homeless How We Can All Help
Perales said he’d like to see more homeowners rent out their in-law’s quar-
ters—a great way to help homeless people who are plugged in to the County’s
system and support services and ready to transition into housing.
The Compassion Center would like a piece of land to provide longer-term
camping and RV facilities. The current program—which allows homeless
individuals and families to camp safely and legally at Coyote Lake, Hollister
Hills, San Luis Reservoir, and Mt. Madonna Park—requires campers to pack
up and move every two weeks.
From time to time, the Compassion Center posts its wishlist on Facebook.
Perales noted that when people shop online, using Amazon Smile lets them
designate their nonprofit of choice, and Amazon donates a portion of the sale
to that nonprofit.
“Imagine the impact if everyone took that simple step,” Perales said.
Currently GCC employs two case managers working a total of 50 hours
per week funded by a $45,000 grant. Perales volunteers as part of GCC’s
working board, but he noted that a funded full-time executive director
position is needed.
“We rely on grants, and grantors want nonprofits to have a leadership
structure in place. They want to know if you’re going to be around
tomorrow.”
He refers to Board Chair Jan Bernstein Chargin as “an angel” whose belief
in the mission of the Center runs deep and who has taught him a lot about
persevering.
“In any given month we see 3,000 people,” Perales said. “Some are
educated, some not. Families with children. College students. Some enter our
doors in despair. Seeing them get a hot meal, a tent to camp in, an apartment
for their family…I want to challenge our community to respond to the need.”
To those who assume that helping the homeless is enabling dysfunction,
Perales says, “research has proven that having a roof over your head, a home
base, it’s the stability you need before you can deal with other aspects of life.
Without a home, you have no address. How can you get an ID card, how can
you apply for a job, how can you collect your social security or VA benefits?
It’s daunting.” The need for food, hygiene products,
clothing, backpacks, blankets, sleeping
bags and tents is ongoing. Volunteers
are always in demand. Public and
private donations are essential to sustain
effective programs for transitional
housing, health and mental health
treatment, substance abuse treatment,
employment assistance, emergency
rent and utility assistance, and more.
Be Informed
Attend public meetings, speak with local
and county government and school
offi cials, community service clubs and
faith-based organizations engaged in
efforts to end homelessness.
Follow Your Passion
Consider choosing one cause or or-
ganization that touches your heart or
demonstrates the greatest need. Look for
one with a clear and focused mission.
Ask them what they need.
Volunteer
Your sustained involvement with a
nonprofi t makes you a better advocate
and supporter, and makes that nonprofi t
stronger and more stable.
Donate
Forego a gift, vacation, or holiday party.
Donate the money you would have spent
to end homelessness instead. Donate in
the name of your family.
Advocate
Use campaigns, fundraisers, and social
media to shape a positive and produc-
tive conversation around solutions to
end homelessness. Gofundme and other
online platforms are a powerful tool for
grassroots fundraising efforts.
Make It Personal
Pick fi ve people you keep in touch with
regularly. When you gather at your
favorite gym, café, school, neighborhood
clubhouse, or place of worship, make it
a point to share news, ideas, and prog-
ress in the mission to end homelessness.
Enthusiasm is contagious.
Make It Part Of Your Legacy
Make it part of your annual giving. Let
your children and grandchildren know
what you’re doing to help end homeless-
ness and encourage them to get involved
in their own spheres of infl uence.
Graphic Courtesy of Santa Clara County
GILROY • MORGAN HILL • SAN MARTIN
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2018
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