In keeping with CSA’s mission to preserve and promote the dignity of our clients, the agency is holding the first-ever daylong event designed to provide a sense of well-being and belonging for our unhoused clients on Saturday, June 1. Billed as Treat Yourself from a sketch on the popular television series Parks and Rec, the event will include games, art activities, refreshments and a distribution of personal care items.
The idea is the brainchild of Janice Bonello, Case Manager, Homeless Prevention Services, who also developed CSA’s weekly unhoused support group. The latter offers participants the opportunity to share resources, stabilize their mental health and support one another in their arduous quest to find and keep permanent housing.
“Few of us can comprehend what being homeless is like,” says Bonello. “The homeless population is on survival mode 24/7. It’s exhausting having to spend your day searching for a safe place to sleep and food to eat, not to mention that they often have serious health issues and other challenges too. This event will allow clients to take a break from these harsh realities so they can reenergize and move forward on their journey toward self-reliance.”
CSA is seeking donations of new underwear for men and women as well as travel size sunscreen for hygiene kits to distribute at the event. The agency is also looking for volunteers to help with set-up and clean-up and run the games and activities for participants. For more information, please contact LaDrea Clark at (650) 964-4630.