Bridge to Home opens Winter Shelter to those in need

Client John Thomas Winkler eats his dinner provided by the Emerson family of Santa Clarita at Bridge to Home on Nov. 22. Photo Tom Cruze/For the Signal
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Bridge to Home opened the doors of its annual winter shelter to Santa Clarita Valley individuals in need Monday night.

The 60-bed shelter, located at 23031 Drayton Street, provides food, medical services and support services to those in need during the winter months, from Nov. 21 to March 15.

“Our goal is to alleviate homelessness altogether,” said DiNesha Jackson, Bridge to Home’s director of operations.  “The constant support of the community always benefits the population we’re serving.”

The Bridge to Home Shelter donations come from families, churches, scouts and businesses. Helping set up the sleeping quarters with blankets and towels are volunteers Haley (L) and Riley (C) Cabot and Resident Attendant Jayne Patafio (R). Photo Tom Cruze/For the Signal
The Bridge to Home Shelter donations come from families, churches, scouts and businesses. Helping set up the sleeping quarters with blankets and towels are volunteers Haley (L) and Riley (C) Cabot and Resident Attendant Jayne Patafio (R). Photo Tom Cruze/For the Signal

The opening of the winter shelter acts as a “safety net during the winter months” and as a point of entry for case management services for individuals experiencing homelessness.

Jackson said the non-profit’s shelter opening went well Monday night.

“We were at 60 percent occupancy, which is really great for opening evening,” Jackson said.  “We are still looking to fill all of our beds.”

Clients wishing to take a spot in the shelter can arrive at the Drayton Street location after 6 p.m. to be interviewed and assessed to determine the level of support they need.

“I do expect and hope for it to be full,” Jackson said.

Judi Adams, a retired medical nurse practitioner, provides medical attention to an injured client. Photo Tom Cruze/For the Signal
Judi Adams, a retired medical nurse practitioner, provides medical attention to an injured client. Photo Tom Cruze/For the Signal

The operation is always looking for additional volunteers to help with the shelter and to prepare meals for approximately 60 people each evening, according to Jackson.

“The shelter constantly has a flux where we’ll have an overflow when we’ll need to increase the volume of food we have,” she said.

Additional items of need include portable wardrobes to store donated clothing because Bridge to Home is unable to hold clothing due to space.

Those interested in volunteering or making donations can reach out to Bridge to Home staffers via email at [email protected].

 

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On Twitter as @_ChristinaCox_

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