Rescue Mission looks to house more homeless

Manny Uriarte, program support assistant for Teen Challenge Monterey Bay, leads a tour of the Pajaro Rescue Mission Monday. (Photos by Tarmo Hannula).

WATSONVILLE — When the Watsonville Salvation Army announced in June that it will be closing three out of four shelters, it sent waves of panic through the rescue community, which was faced with the task of finding housing for at least 40 people who will be without a place to stay in August.

The potential crisis was exacerbated by a worsening economy, record unemployment and the razing of the former metro bus station on Sakata Lane, where several homeless people reportedly camped.

Now, Teen Challenge Monterey Bay and its umbrella organization Pajaro Rescue Mission is considering taking over operation of the Salvation Army’s 40-bed men’s shelter on Union Street, which organizers estimate could cost as much as $100,000 per year.

Both organizations are still hammering out the details, and hope to have a written proposal by the end of July.

“It’s a big challenge, but it’s something that our community really needs to meet head-on, because without services like this we face a big problem,” said Chuck Allen, who sits on the Salvation Army’s advisory board. “It’s part of the fabric of the community.”



For the complete article see the 07-24-2012 issue.

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