California Programs
Nutrition for Neighborhoods in Need
is a grass roots, volunteer driven project to distribute surplus food and clothing directly into the hands of vulnerable people, right in their own neighborhoods. We target the lowest income neighborhoods, prioritizing single moms, children, elderly, disabled and unhoused neighbors.
We collect donations of food, clothing, and other items needed by our most vulnerable neighbors in Contra Costa and Alameda Counties, CA. We gather demographic income data, in order to target the lowest income neighborhoods, handing boxes directly into the hands of our beneficiaries. We operate with a volunteer staff, insuring the biggest bang for the buck for our donors.
If you are interested in helping us meet these needs, please fill out the form here.
Quotes from the Nutrition for Neighborhoods in Need Project
One young man said, “I am embarrassed to ask for a food box. I have a young child and just lost my job.” We assured him that there is no disgrace, only strength, for being willing to ask for food for his family.
“This food is a miracle. God bless you all.”
“Yes, I want those sweets. I have 8 kids at home!”
“May I bring a box to my neighbor? They are bed ridden and never leave their apartment, but I know they are short of food.”
Personal and Pup Care Packs
is a project for Unhoused People that gives our most vulnerable neighbors comfort, warmth and personal dignity during the cold wet months. Care packs include knit hats, gloves, socks underwear, toothpaste, toothbrush, soaps, shampoos, brushes, combs, feminine hygiene kits, rain ponchos, wool scarves, Narcan (a medication used to reverse opioid overdoses), and more, all in a backpack.
We include nutritious ready-to-eat food for people, requiring no cooking, plus dog food for unhoused pet owners. We were surprised to learn that dog food was one of the most asked for items. Unhoused people often keep dogs for companionship and security. And virtually all unhoused single women keep dogs as a way to survive on the streets. Many of these pets are undernourished, not because they are unloved, but because their owners themselves have so little.
If you are interested in helping us meet these needs, please fill out the form here.
Quotes From Personal and Pup Care Pack Project:
Hearing a voice yell out in the night, ‘Who’s got Narcan? Who’s got that stuff?’ One of our recipients ran to the donated Narcan that we provided, and they revived the person who had OD’d, and a life was saved. In the 2 years this project has been in existence, we know of at least 20 instances where the Narcan we distributed has been utilized.
‘Everyone loves the clothes and everything you guys bring. You’ve restored my faith in humanity.’
‘Dog food too! Oh My God! Roxy, look, dog food for you! This is so great.’
Since 1991 the Sanctuary Project has provided transitional housing, food, clothing and general support to homeless families and individuals. The project allows people to take a break from the pressures of life, including paying rent, while they plan the next steps in their lives.
Participants have made use of this program to save money, to find work, to get their health insurance straightened out, to enroll in a job training program, or simply to rest up from the stresses of life.
The Private Sector has provided temporary shelter to families who have been made homeless by natural disasters, both in California and Hawaii.
While anyone may apply for the Sanctuary Project, we prioritize single mothers with small children and military families.
If you are interested in helping us meet these needs, please fill out the form here.
Quotes from the Sanctuary Project
“The wildfires destroyed our home. You gave us a place to rest up and figure out our next move”
“I remember you people! You took in my Mom and Dad after their house burned down.”
“I am very appreciative of the break you gave me in the sanctuary project. It gave me a chance to get my health insurance straightened out, while giving me a break from paying rent after I lost my job.”