Janessa Villareal , Case Manager Gilroy Compassion Center
Special thanks to Jan Bernstein Chargin and Cecelia Ponzini who provided connections with people in our community who like them , are finding ways to help the homeless . There are other important voices , and new programs coming , which will be covered in our next issue .
Gilroy Compassion Center
370 Tomkins Court • Gilroy gilroycompassioncenter . blogspot . com 408-763-7120
Janessa Villareal is a case manager at the Gilroy Compassion Center . She is on the front lines in the fight to end homelessness .
“ There ’ s a huge debate about how to deal with homelessness but not everyone ’ s talking about the same thing ,” Villareal said . “ Society tends to have a onedimensional view .
“ Working with the homeless , we may be dealing with a drug addict sleeping under a bridge , a single mother who lost a job and is temporarily down on her luck , a college student living out of his car because he can ’ t afford rent , or a teenager who ran away from an abusive home .
According to Villareal , “ Some of our clients have trauma or mental health issues . Without basic coping skills and a support system , it ’ s hard for them to maintain healthy relationships . If they can ’ t express themselves , they tend to burn bridges , develop resentments and become isolated . They usually have a hard time trusting , sharing their story or asking for help .
“ When we work with people to transition them into a stable living situation , mental health needs to be part of the process . Along with job coaching , we need to teach life skills , so when things do go wrong they won ’ t quit and run because now they have tools to cope .”
Villareal said the Gilroy Compassion Center ( GCC ) offers daytime services for the homeless . “ They know this is a safe place to come for breakfast , hygiene items and clothing , but not a hangout where they can loiter .”
Twice a year , GCC transports clients to Project Connect , an event that offers them an accelerated intake process with service providers such as Community Solutions , First Five , and the Bill Wilson Center .
“ The majority of the homeless don ’ t have cars . It ’ s a way for them to get help with housing , health , and employment needs in one place , without having to travel north . They can meet people , fill out forms , and even get a free haircut .”
A few years ago , GCC ’ s Program Director Daleen Pearce started a transitional program called Almost Home , offering safe and legal campsites , food , transportation and case management services . Under the leadership of GCC Board Chair Jan Bernstein Chargin , GCC is also working with partners on plans for two “ Compassion Parks ,” communities of tiny homes with a central facility for basic services .
As for the FOCUS Safe Parking program , Rebecca Garcia from the City of Morgan Hill got the ball rolling by reaching out to Morgan Hill Police Chief David Swing . He asked GCC and the Morgan Hill Unified School District to be part of the solution . The local interfaith community is playing an intregal role in the effort . Morgan Hill PD won a grant to fund a case manager . GCC donated a shipping container that was converted by San Jose State students into a shower and laundry facility . Interfaith volunteers donate and serve food and other items and help at the Safe Park location . Edward Boss Prado Foundation has donated tables , chairs , games and hygiene kits . The Community Garage donates simple car maintenance .
Currently , the program accepts homeless families , couples , and single women . Villareal takes a detailed history , runs background checks , and requires client participation in case management as a condition of enrollment . She meets with each client on a weekly basis . To date , the majority of her clients have been placed into stable housing and found jobs .
“ The goal of the program is to help families attain housing and selfsufficiency , so we engage them in goal-setting and document their progress ,” Villareal said .
“ Sometimes the simplest thing , like running out of gas on the way to a job interview and having someone you can call for help , can mean the difference between an inconvenient day and weeks of progress lost .”
PHOTO BY ROBIN SHEPHERD
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GILROY • MORGAN HILL • SAN MARTIN JUNE / JULY 2018 gmhtoday . com