Grace Solutions Winter Shelter
by Jackie Redford, MSW
Grace Solutions annual winter shelter program started its fifth year in early January and was scheduled to end on April 13th. However, due to the COVID-19 outbreak, which has affected everyone in enumerable ways, the program was extended until May 3rd in accordance with the official Santa Clara County shelter-in-place issue. Accordingly, the program continues to provide a safe space and a sense of community for many people during these challenging times.
The winter shelter program is especially aimed at those who have fallen on hard times and are looking for a temporary safe space. Due to the current governmental limitations on gatherings, the program provides shelter for up to 30 people each night. The guests that come here are familiar faces that have been in past programs. In light of COVID-19 they are part of a closed list and are committed to the nightly program. Because of an unequal distribution between male and female guests, there are 20 beds reserved for men and 10 beds reserved for women. The program includes the serving of a warm dinner, fruit and desert. Guests are provided a safe place to spend the night, breakfast and coffee in the morning, as well as the possibility to shower on three different days of the week. The program's 11 person team works in shifts 24/7 and is often supported during dinner service by San Jose State volunteers.
The shelter opens at 7 pm and after a phase of settling in, dinner is served. Before COVID-19, all of the guests would dine together, however, with the outbreak changes had to be made. Men and women now eat separately and are served dinner at their individual sleeping space. The food served at the program is made up of deliveries from Martha's Kitchen and other donations. Staff members heat up and prepare the food for the guests. It is great to hear gratitude and appreciation for the good quality of the food expressed by the guests. After dinner, staff and guests clean up the rooms together, prepare beds and get ready for the night. During this time there is also the opportunity for guests to socialize with one another as well as with the staff, and bring up potential problems or issues. Lights out is at 9 pm and a hallway curfew is in place beginning at 11 pm. In case of any problems or issues arising, there is always a late night staff member present who is relieved at midnight by the nightshift. The staff members also make sure that no unauthorized person enters the building. Some elderly female guests have especially expressed their appreciation for security at the GBC winter shelter program. The sense of safety that is generated through the reduced number of regular people as well as the 24/7 presence of available staff brings many guests some ease and comfort.
In the morning, guests are woken between 6 and 7 am and begin packing their belongings. They also have the option of taking a shower. During COVID-19, showers are available on a daily basis. Ordinarily they are offered to our guests three times a week. After breakfast guests are asked to leave the building so that the staff can thoroughly clean the building.
The outbreak of COVID-19 affected the routine of the shelter program substantially, which was hard for both guests and staff but everyone has adjusted to the new conditions. For example, the mandatory washing of hands upon entering the building first posed a challenge to coordinate but is no longer a problem. Food is now served to each guest individually and handled only by staff. Bed are 6 feet apart and no outsiders are allowed in the building.
Extra food is given in to-go boxes to people waiting outside who are not a part of the program to ensure the safety of all.
The Grace Solutions winter shelter program provides a safe space for many people and they are grateful for the community that is strengthened by coming together under enhanced hygienic measures. It provides more than just shelter from the weather; it supports a sense of connection and stability for many during these uncertain and challenging times.