COLD WEATHER SHELTERS - SHOULD YOU START SLEEPING IN ONE AT THE END OF THE SEASON?

There are many reasons why many homeless decide to sleep rough, or in abandoned buildings, or in their cold vehicles, rather than go to a shelter.

Sometimes a person has already tried the shelters and couldn't get in, got tired of not being guaranteed a space and standing in lines every day not knowing, they fear violence within the shelter (which DOES happen), though most armory/cold weather shelter set ups DO HAVE SECURITY GUARDS, or they don't want to be separated from their wife or husband or children or the group of homeless people who are their family of friends.

But we think, even though it's late in the season, even if the El Nino Rains or severe snow storms or freezing temperatures don't threaten you personally, that if you want off the streets you might still want to check THIS SEASONS SHELTER OFFERINGS out,  which could be different than last years, especially if you are ALONE or NEWLY HOMELESS.

HERE IS WHY:

1) THE SOCIAL WORKERS OR STAFF CAN PROVIDE YOU THE STATEMENT OF HOMELESSNESS YOU NEED TO GET YOUR FREE BIRTH CERTIFICATE and/or DISCOUNTED CALIFORNIA ID, which you need to apply for EBT-SNAP-FOODSTAMPS and/or cash benefits or welfare.

2) THEY MAY ALSO BE ABLE TO PRIORITY LIST YOU (we know it can still be a long wait so maybe the idea of a priority list is a joke) FOR A YEAR ROUND SHELTER or HOUSEING PROGRAM.

3) Sleeping on the floor or on cots can be painful if you have a bad back or arthritis or joint issues, but you'll probably be warmer and safer than sleeping outdoors, on hard cold concrete or wet ground.

4) This blog is meant to help you find services, and we know there is a lot of lines, chasing around, and paperwork, and it may come to nothing soon, but being on a waiting list is better than not being on one at all.  We think "apply to all the programs there are!"