One of the greatest challenges for those who are unhoused on the mountain is where to take a shower.
That challenge is now being met through the generosity of St. Richard’s Episcopal Church. They are offering the use of their showers for the homeless on Tuesday afternoons; appointments will be taken through the Mountain Homeless Coalition’s helpline.
In other encouraging news, the Coalition’s permanent housing cabins in Big Bear are expanding. They are about to install two two-bedroom units that are fully ADA compliant. They should be ready for occupancy this fall.
In their latest newsletter, the Coalition shared how they used their funding from January through June of this year:
- They spent $10,165 on 127 nights of motel stays, averaging $80 a night, for 334 people from 30 households.
- Thirty-five homeless individuals from 25 households were moved into permanent housing at a cost of $32,037.
- The Coalition provided $27,434 for past-due rent for 38 people from 24 households to help avoid eviction. The average cost was $1,143 per household.
- They also purchased school snacks, deodorant for at-risk students, food cards, tents and sleeping bags, made utility payments and purchased phones and minutes.
The Mountain Homeless Coalition has recently welcomed three new members to its board:
- Annemieke Stalcup is a patient care navigator at Bear Valley Community Healthcare District. She is also a thanatologist, specializing in grief services and education. She brings more than 30 years of experience in the field of education.
- Heather Lowe serves mountain youth through Equus Workforce Solutions, helping those 16 to 24 to reach their employment and educational goals.
- Stephanie Thoth is a senior prevention program coordinator with Rim Family Services. She creates and implements drug and alcohol prevention programs, primarily for youth.
Susan Buckley, the Coalition’s housing navigator recently received this note from a client: “I wanted to say thank you, thank you! The landlord called and said he will lower rent $175. Had it not been for you helping, this would not have happened. God bless you for all your hard work!”
For more information on the Mountain Homeless Coalition, visit their website, www.mountainhomelesscoaltion.com.
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