Alameda County Supervisor Wilma Chan joined with Alameda city officials, homeless providers and community faith leaders to commemorate the opening of the Alameda Warming Shelter  a program that is designed to provide refuge for the citys homeless population during the cold and rainy winter months. The event on Dec. 19, 2018, brought together stakeholders instrumental in the shelters creation followed by a tour of the site.
The result of a year-long collaboration between a diverse coalition of stakeholders, the shelter is operated by nonprofit homeless provider Building Futures and hosted by Christ Episcopal Church. It is funded by Alameda County and the city of Alameda with in-kind support from Building Futures. The shelters services are also supported by Chan and Alamedas faith and business communities.
As we enter the coldest months of the year, ensuring the safety and comfort of our most vulnerable citizens remains critically important throughout Alameda County, said Chan. The creation of this Warming Shelter is a perfect example of the city, county and community coming together to give homeless citizens the respect and compassion they deserve.
Located at Christ Episcopal Church on Santa Clara Avenue, the Alameda Warming Shelter opened on Dec. 6, 2018 and will operate through April 14, 2019, on evenings when the temperature is predicted to be below 40 degrees or there is a 50 percent or greater chance of rain. The shelter can house up to 25 individuals on a given night. Homeless residents may enter the facility starting at 6:00 p.m. and will be provided a full dinner, a place to sleep, and a grab-and-go breakfast the following morning. Residents will also be provided assistance with locating housing and other essential services.
I am delighted that the Alameda Warming Center is now open, and will serve as a warm, safe, and respectful place for homeless people to get out of the cold and rainy weather, said Alameda Mayor-Elect Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft.
Alameda homeless residents seeking to access the Warming Shelter should contact Building Futures at (510) 201-0203 to make an intake appointment. Donations are also needed to operate the shelter, including sweatshirts and sweatpants, toiletries, plastic utensils, and mats for guests to sleep on. To donate, please visit http://christchurchalameda.org/seasonal-warming-center/.