January 18, 2007

Homelessness remains a danger year round

Current cold snap reminder of problem that needs permanent solution

Record cold temperatures in recent days have drawn the community’s attention to the plight of the homeless. EHC LifeBuilders, Santa Clara County’s largest provider of shelter, housing opportunities and supportive services to people in crisis and those experiencing homelessness, has extended capacity and operating hours at its three emergency shelters to serve over 500 people each night. EHC LifeBuilders has received an outpouring of donations from concerned citizens.

“It is heartwarming to see our local leadership and community members stepping up to assist the homeless during these freezing days and nights,” said EHC LifeBuilders spokesperson Hilary Barroga. “But, as we all know, homelessness is a year-round problem. We hope that when the immediate danger subsides, the dedication of our leaders and community to ending homelessness does not.”

Solving the problem of homelessness by providing permanent supportive housing is not only more humane than emergency responses but also more cost effective. According to the Santa Clara County Office of Affordable Housing, it costs approximately $16,000 a year to house a homeless person, but it can cost a city more than $60,000 to provide the medical and incarceration fees someone can accumulate living on the streets.

“Martin Luther King, Jr. stated that, ‘The curse of poverty has no justification in our age,’” added Stephanie Schaaf, public education and advocacy coordinator for EHC LifeBuilders. “Ending homelessness isn’t like curing cancer; we know how to end homelessness. What is needed is the collective will to make the solution a reality.”

In the meantime, EHC LifeBuilders will continue operating its emergency shelters for extended hours and overflow capacity through Wednesday morning. The National Guard armories in Sunnyvale and Gilroy will remain open until 10 a.m., and EHC LifeBuilders’ Boccardo Reception Center in San Jose will be open 24 hours. EHC LifeBuilders is meeting daily with a task force that includes County of Santa Clara Office of Emergency Services response team, the city of San Jose, and other community partners to assess the situation and implement additional measures as needed.

Approximately 7,600 men, women, and children are homeless on any given night. Members of the community are encouraged to contribute by making donations of blankets, sleeping bags, towels, and sleeping mats. Financial donations are also welcome—$21 can provide safe, warm shelter for one person during this week’s record cold temperatures. To donate, visit www.ehclifebuilders.org.