It’s an issue many want to turn a blind-eye toward, a population
in San Benito County that is invisible to most of us, the
homeless.
Yet, their numbers are increasing. Local and state officials
have estimated this population to be in the thousands.
It’s an issue many want to turn a blind-eye toward, a population in San Benito County that is invisible to most of us, the homeless.
Yet, their numbers are increasing. Local and state officials have estimated this population to be in the thousands.
But thanks to San Juan Bautista resident Marley Holte – known by many for his annual Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners for anyone wanting to attend – and a group of local citizens, this ever-increasing problem may soon receive a deserving hand.
This consortium, which formed in March, is grabbing the attention of the right people in its effort to establish a homeless shelter in San Benito County.
Holte recently met with Rep. Sam Farr, D-Carmel, to open a shelter at the National Guard Armory located at the Hollister Municipal Airport for four months out of the year during the winter.
The group has garnered the support of Farr and Assemblyman Simon Salinas, D-Salinas, in its effort to open the much-needed facility.
Grabbing the attention of both federal and state leaders is the correct approach to get the drive moving forward. The local group had hoped to open a shelter by November, but that has been delayed as it seeks a non-profit status and applies for a federal emergency shelter grant.
Also, the current rate to open the armory would be $345 a day, an amount they said would be too expensive.
But homeless services in the county are in demand and efforts become more efficient when leaders from a number of governmental bodies and residents work together. This joining of forces only strengthens the proposal to open a shelter.
Holte and the consortium were heard by our representatives in Sacramento and Washington, D.C. Now is the time for residents to also helt make this effort a reality.
We’ve covered our ears and closed our eyes to the county’s homeless for too long.
