Community Human Services has been awarded a $30,000 grant by The Fund for Homeless Women of the Community Foundation for Monterey County. Funding will be used to provide shelter and supportive services to homeless women at Casa de Noche Buena shelter in Seaside.
In addition to overnight shelter, the program provides individualized case management, housing navigation, life skills education, linkages to income, education, and employment, and referrals to medical, substance abuse and mental health services for up to six months.
Since opening its doors in January 2021, the program has served 51 individuals. Of those exiting the program, 62% have moved into permanent housing, 10% have moved into transitional housing, 5% transferred to another shelter, and 23% returned to homelessness. Many of those returning to homelessness are on a waiting list for housing and some have since moved into permanent housing.
“While at the shelter, our guests work hard to get everything in order to get housed. They secure vital personal documents, save money, apply for jobs or benefits, fill out housing and voucher applications. But waiting lists for housing are long, and many guests time out of the shelter before they can be placed. Until there are more affordable housing options and landlords willing to accept vouchers, sadly people will return to homeless while they wait,” said Elsa Guillen, Program Officer.
For more than 50 years, Community Human Services has been making a positive impact on the community through prevention, intervention and treatment services for substance abuse, mental health and homelessness. Casa de Noche Buena is operated by Community Human Services in collaboration with Gathering for Women.
For information about supporting Casa de Noche Buena, please contact Elsa Guillen, Program Officer, at 831.867-8200 or eguillen@chservices.org.