As our region grapples with the COVID-19 crisis, Abode Services is responding to the increase in demand for shelter, personal protective equipment and other basic needs among residents of Santa Clara and Alameda counties. Abode Services is now serving thousands of clients, one of whom is a 72-year-old man who had formerly been homeless for more than a year. He had been living in a congregate shelter for several months prior to the COVID-19 outbreak, however, and when the stay-at-home order was implemented in the Bay Area, his fear for his health and safety increased.
Using grant funds received from Silicon Valley Community Foundation’s Nonprofit Emergency Fund, Abode Services was able to move him to a local motel to shelter-in-place, to help maintain his safety as well as the safety of the greater community. When Abode showed up in his time of need and facilitated his move, his immense relief and gratitude brought him to tears, according to Chris De Benedetti, Abode’s public information officer.
The experience of having a safe, clean room — in addition to the support of Abode — meant he was not alone and would have his basic needs met during this severe crisis.
With help from SVCF, in addition to assisting this client, Abode has achieved the following as of May 26:
In response to COVID-19:
- Abode has served 1,120 new clients (987 households) throughout the Bay Area since the pandemic began.
- Abode is currently sheltering 5,213 people (3,261 households).
- Abode is currently serving 2,854 people (1,954 households) in Santa Clara County.
- Abode is currently serving 872 people (413 households) in San Mateo County.
- As a direct result of the crisis, Abode is sheltering 693 people (more than 500 households) in leased hotels.
SVCF’s Regional Nonprofit Emergency Fund provides flexible operating support grants to help nonprofit organizations such as Abode Services adapt to the increase in need caused by COVID-19. To learn the total amount of grants SVCF has distributed through its COVID-19 response funds, click here. Grant funding helps Abode Services continue its mission to end homelessness by assisting low-income, un-housed people, including those with special needs, to secure stable, supportive housing; and to be advocates for the removal of the causes of homelessness.
Check out the list of nonprofit organizations that have received grants from our Regional Nonprofit Emergency Fund. The list is being updated regularly.
In the coming weeks, we will feature more stories of local heroes—donors, nonprofits, businesses—to highlight the power of our community coming together and helping lift each other out of this crisis.
To learn more about our COVID-19 response funds and to donate, click here.