Almost Home Camping Program Explained
Across the United States, homeless people have resorted to creating camps for shelter and for security. In many cases, these camps are set up in dangerous areas, adding to the difficulties homeless residents face in achieving normalcy in their lives. Police enforcement and vandalism have destroyed many camps, and property owners near these camps have complained about crime and the unsightly nature of the homeless camping areas. Programs across the country have sprung up to create better solutions for homeless residents, and one of the leading programs is the Almost Home Camping Program, a project spearheaded by the Gilroy Compassion Center in Gilroy, California.
About the Almost Home Camping Program
Originally developed to provide homeless residents of Santa Clara County, California with safe places to spend the night, the Almost Home Camping Program has grown to provide a comprehensive set of rehabilitative services for participants. The Program features:
Safe, legal campsites
Showering and bathing facilities
Transportation
Food
Case management services
This is a temporary housing solution that is offered in conjunction with staff counseling and assistance by the Gilroy Compassion Center. Limited space has forced the Center to offer safe camping only sporadically, but plans are in the works to make it a year-round assistance program. Despite the space limitations and tight budget, the program has doubled in size since it was first established. This points to a community need for this program, and volunteers have worked with other charitable organizations, government agencies, and police departments to secure funding and service expansions. Crowdfunding campaigns on social media have also brought in much-needed money to help the program remain active.
Counseling Services at the Gilroy Compassion Center
Homeless people often need a place to transition to more permanent housing. Safe shelter is a critical component of anyone’s life, and for the homeless, this component is missing. The Almost Home Camping program is designed to get people back on their feet with the goal of giving participants the ability to achieve stability in their lives as they transition to their own homes. In addition to providing legal and safe camping spots for participants, the Center incorporates job hunting assistance and counseling to enhance the program. Since its beginnings, the program has achieved a 100% success rate.
About the Gilroy Compassion Center
Established in 2001 in Gilroy, California, the Gilroy Compassion Center brought together concerned citizens and local leaders to address the lack of services aimed at area homeless populations. Since its first days, the Center has built a powerful advocacy organization as it has expanded its programs and services. The Center is known throughout the Santa Clara County region for innovative programs, such as the Almost Home Camping program and two pilot projects that show great promise. With assistance from the San Jose State University engineering department, the Center developed a mobile laundry and showering facility for homeless use. Many times, homeless residents cannot find affordable bathing facilities or places to do their laundry. This mobile facility provides free services, helping participants regain their dignity.
Another pilot program in development is the Center’s Compassion Village, a planned community of tiny homes for homeless use. This project is a partnership with the Santa Clara County Housing Department and the Compassion Center. With the help of dedicated staff and volunteers, the Gilroy Compassion Center will continue to expand its range of humanitarian services for area homeless residents.
Source: https://www.facebook.com/gilroycompassioncenter/videos/vb.160955320633559/1564142490314828/?type=2&theater
