Grace Solutions

With eviction moratoriums and an increase in unemployment benefits expiring, we are on the precipice of mass evictions where conservative estimates show an increase of 133-225% to the unhoused population in Santa Clara county over the coming months. This sobering report by Working Partnerships and Law Foundation of Silicon Valley also includes their local, state and federal policy recommendations. https://www.wpusa.org/research/eviction-time-bomb/

Daniel, a staff member had this to say about his time working at the shelter, "What an amazing and humbling experience it has been assisting the homeless community in San Jose." He has worked for the shelter since the first season over 4.5 years ago. We couldn't give the level of service and care if it weren't for he and the other amazing staff and volunteers. Thank you! <3 If you're interested in volunteering in some way, please reach out!

We asked of our guests Joel if he had a favorite quote or motto and he answered, "It is what it is."

When asked if he has a motto he lives by, one of the guests Ruben answered, "Do what you say and say what you mean." <3

We asked some of our guests if they had any favorite quotes or mottos they live by. Manny said, "The key is to just take it day by day." <3

George is a guest at the shelter and is also our resident floral arranger. He says "I like to bring beauty into the church, these wonderful flowers are my contribution." We greatly appreciate the way George and the other guests give back to the community. When asked if he has a quote he lives by he said, "Life is precious and live each day like it’s your last."

In Santa Clara county African American's make up 18% of the unhoused population, but only 3% of the general population.

We'd like to introduce you to Jackie, one of our volunteers. She says that the winter shelter program provides a safe space for many people who are grateful for the community. 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. Thank you Jackie for your commitment! If you'd like to volunteer, please let us know!

We are pleased to announce our NEW website! Please share widely, as well as our FB page. Thank you so much for your support. https://www.gracesolutions.org/

We'd like to introduce you to some of the guests and staff. Dana Andrews is a guest and a construction worker who was recently laid off from his job. He's always been able to afford housing while employed, but the job loss forced him to face the prospect of being houseless. Dana says he feels respected and treated kindly by everyone here, like he's part of the family. He has found a sense of stability as he tries to put his life back together after the layoff. It is safe, c...lean and free from the typical drama in most shelters. He is concerned about the virus outbreak, but knows that he is healthy and hopes he will be ok, by using mask/gloves. He is also hopeful that he will find work again after this crisis is over and is grateful for having a place where his basic needs are being met and can focus on getting work. It is almost impossible to deal with both of these at the same time. Dana is also concerned because he knows that Grace is a winter shelter that may close soon and he will face the real prospect of living on the streets. It scares him because of the many chronically unsheltered people he's met - a number that seems to constantly grow. Dana offered his thanks to everyone at Grace, that have made his stay possible and says he will miss the shelter and the many friends he made here. Thank you so much Dana for being courageous enough to share your story. You are a true inspiration!

THANK YOU SO much for those who gave to us on Giving Tuesday and who shared with their contacts! If you didn't get a chance to yet, we'd appreciate if you could make a donation now. We are committed to staying open during the shelter in place- so that these 45 individuals have a shelter to shelter in place to. <3 https://paypal.me/GraceSolutionsSJ?locale.x=en_US