Crossing Borders Building Bridges kicked off their Winter Shelter Project earlier this month with guest speaker, Mark Mannshardt, president of Hands of Hope, a program designed to assist families to work their way out of homelessness and on to self-sufficiency. The goal of the forum was to discuss different ways volunteers can help the Yuba-Sutter homeless women and children prepare for the winter weather, which so far has been mild, but is predicted to turn cold and wet as soon as Thanksgiving.
According to Mannshardt, there are nearly 500 homeless children attending public schools who currently live with their families in cars and in the river bottoms.
Hands of Hope just moved into their new facility at 909 Spiva Avenue in Yuba City, which includes a shower facility, laundry room and homework area for the children.
Yuba College instructor Neelam Canto-Lugo has challenged her speech class, as well as other students and faculty, to help collect household items, such as blankets and towels, for the Hands of Hope winter project, which will end December 8.
Hands of Hope Wish List:
Diapers
Books for children and youth
Children’s underwear & socks (new, in packages)
Clothing (clean, used but in good condition)
Deodorant, bath soap
Shower slippers (disposable)
Paper Shower mats
Basketball and hoop (freestanding)
Cleaning supplies (commercial strength) for shelter toilets, showers and floors
Laundry detergent, fabric softener
Call (530)755-3491 for information on volunteer orientation sessions, or visit www.ychandsofhope.org for more information.
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