Salinas winter warming shelter opens but still needs help

A local warming shelter working to keep people off the streets just opened for a second year in a row. But organizers said a lot of help is still needed, as colder temperatures creep into the forecast. On Tuesday, NewsChannel 5 toured the shelter to find out how everything works and why it’s making a difference.

It’s been open for about a week and about 25 people are staying each night.
Reyes Bonilla, Exec. Dir. Shelter Outreach Plus

“Kind of like a safe haven right now, we’re trying to get back on our feet,” said Michael Anthony Guzman

Guzman said he and his wife Jennifer, are choosing to be homeless, to be together. Before they were in a sober living program which kept them separated. Now they’re waking up each day, with a fresh start after a bumpy road in getting to this point.

“I’d rather be out on the streets with him than be without him,” Guzman said.

Shelter Outreach Plus said the city of Salinas and Monterey County are helping out with the costs to run the shelter. This year services are offered at a vacant building downtown. Financial donations pay for two staff members and about eight workers who earn a stipend. Guzman said he’s their latest hire.

“Staff is really friendly and nice and it’s really cool because it lets us go out there and look for work,” Guzman said.

Rules are strict and everyone must sign a waiver. First all their personal belongings go into a bag and then they’re assigned a mat to sleep on for the night. While running on zero-tolerance policy may be a deterrent for some, the shelter said it’s also the glue that keeps things running smoothly.

“We know that a lot of them are chronically homeless and have been homeless for some time and we’re trying to bring them back into mainstream,” said Reyes Bonilla, Executive Director for Shelter Outreach Plus.

The shelter said it has the capability to accommodate up to 68 people but the most it’s seen was about 37 last year. Families are also welcome at the shelter located at 215 Lincoln Avenue in Salinas.