The Shelter Project: MCAVHN is the lead agency for an effort that began in 2014 to address the emergency and temporary needs for homeless citizens in our community who are the most vulnerable: those having chronic illnesses and/or mental health challenges which continue to make significant barriers to the access of permanent housing. Background: When it appeared that there would be no winter shelter available in Ukiah for the winter of 2015-2016, MCAVHN decided to join with a group called the Homeless Services Action Group to work toward a solution to this problem.  Since many of the potentioal clients for the planned shelter also use MCAVHN services, it was a logical choice for MCAVHN take over operation of the planned shelter, meaning that a new 501(c)3 organization would not have to be created.  In late August, 2015, an industrial warehouse building was located in the area set aside by the city for homeless shelters, and the project began to take shape. The process of raising funds involved many trips to the Board of Supervisors’ meetings and the City Council.  The city eventually agreed to a $30,000 donation, and the county matched that and also offered another $30,000 if the Group could raise an additional $30,000.  We were lucky to receive $10,000 from the Community Foundation and $10,000 from Ukiah Valley Medical Group.  Over $11,000 in additional funds was raised in smaller amounts, and that process continues. In addition to this fundraising activity, preparation of the building involved the efforts of many volunteers .  Volunteers cleaned the warehouse, painted walls, set up partitions donated by the county, re-floored the bathroom, created an ADA ramp for the shower trailer, installed the washer-dryer pairs donated by the Sheriff, set up the donated cots, and many other activities.  We couldn’t have opened without all of the volunteer effort. Nine people were hired to staff the shelter, and MCAVHN continues to manage the budget, pay the bills, handle the payroll, and house many of the clients during the day in inclement weather.  Libby, our Executive Director, responds to night-time emergencies as well as managing her regular staff. Since we opened the shelter, we’ve been at capacity most nights, and have had only a small number of calls to the Ukiah Police Department.  On occasion, people have to be turned away, because of our 47- bed limit.  Beds are allotted by vulnerability, but it’s always difficult to send someone out into the rain.   It’s been a learning experience, but a positive one, knowing that some of our most vulnerable citizens have a warm and dry place to sleep. To make a donation to support The Shelter Project, CLICK HERE. 

The Shelter Project: MCAVHN is the lead agency for an effort that began in 2014 to address the emergency and temporary needs for homeless citizens in our community who are the most vulnerable: those having chronic illnesses and/or mental health challenges which continue to make significant barriers to the access of permanent housing. Background: When it appeared that there would be no winter shelter available in Ukiah for the winter of 2015-2016, MCAVHN decided to join with a group called the Homeless Services Action Group to work toward a solution to this problem.  Since many of the potentioal clients for the planned shelter also use MCAVHN services, it was a logical choice for MCAVHN take over operation of the planned shelter, meaning that a new 501(c)3 organization would not have to be created.  In late August, 2015, an industrial warehouse building was located in the area set aside by the city for homeless shelters, and the project began to take shape. The process of raising funds involved many trips to the Board of Supervisors’ meetings and the City Council.  The city eventually agreed to a $30,000 donation, and the county matched that and also offered another $30,000 if the Group could raise an additional $30,000.  We were lucky to receive $10,000 from the Community Foundation and $10,000 from Ukiah Valley Medical Group.  Over $11,000 in additional funds was raised in smaller amounts, and that process continues. In addition to this fundraising activity, preparation of the building involved the efforts of many volunteers .  Volunteers cleaned the warehouse, painted walls, set up partitions donated by the county, re-floored the bathroom, created an ADA ramp for the shower trailer, installed the washer-dryer pairs donated by the Sheriff, set up the donated cots, and many other activities.  We couldn’t have opened without all of the volunteer effort. Nine people were hired to staff the shelter, and MCAVHN continues to manage the budget, pay the bills, handle the payroll, and house many of the clients during the day in inclement weather.  Libby, our Executive Director, responds to night-time emergencies as well as managing her regular staff. Since we opened the shelter, we’ve been at capacity most nights, and have had only a small number of calls to the Ukiah Police Department.  On occasion, people have to be turned away, because of our 47-bed limit.  Beds are allotted by vulnerability, but it’s always difficult to send someone out into the rain.   It’s been a learning experience, but a positive one, knowing that some of our most vulnerable citizens have a warm and dry place to sleep. To make a donation to support The Shelter Project, CLICK HERE.