CLEARLAKE – Clearlake City Councilmember Joyce Overton is leading a coalition to address the homeless problem in the city. The community is being called to action in a campaign to bring warmth to those left in the cold.
“Warm for the Winter” aims to provide warm clothing and blankets for those suffering from homelessness in the city. Donations of gloves, stocking caps, ear muffs, coats, blankets and especially socks or anything else that would help provide warmth are being accepted at several locations throughout the community.
The effort is being spearheaded by Overton, who has enlisted the support of community volunteers and organizations that share a common interest in solving the homeless problem in Clearlake.
The situation is an issue Overton had said she wanted to address in her campaign for re-election in 2008.
“This is a serious problem that as a caring community we can no longer ignore,” Overton said. “The more people we have involved that want to help, the more programs we can accomplish in our community that will help with shelter and food for the many in need.”
Overton said she anticipates an increase in the homeless population in light of the economic crisis the nation is facing. “We have to realize that it is more than just single individuals nowadays. It is getting to be whole families who are homeless and I”m sure we will see more with all the foreclosures happening,” she said. “Due to the country”s economic situation, homelessness is hitting families who previously had homes. Because of the foreclosures that are happening so widespread in our country, the homeless problem will only continue to get worse.”
Overton said at present the coalition is focusing on providing for the immediate needs of the homeless. “This year we are concentrating on clothing and just keeping them warm,” she said. “Our future goals are to start looking at ways to get a shelter to keep them warm in the winter and housed throughout the year.”
Overton commended the efforts exhibited by local churches, which she said have been the primary providers for the homeless in the past. “I really believe that the churches have focused on the homeless problem the most,” she said. “And now it”s time for the rest of the community to come together and help.”
Overton said that organization is currently in planning stages.
Volunteers are working toward establishing a committee meeting schedule and plan of action. Volunteers with organizational skills, fundraising skills, Web site design skills or anyone with a desire to help, are being sought. For more information, contact Joyce Overton at 350-2898.
Warm for the Winter drop-off locations include Calvary Church, 14330 Memory Lane off of Olympic Drive; Church of the Nazarene, 15917 Olympic Drive at Highway 53; Four Corners Builder”s Supply, Olympic Drive at Old Highway 53; and the Lake County Community Action Agency (LCCAA), located behind Foods, Etc. on Lakeshore Drive. Monetary donations are also welcomed. Checks should be made payable to LCCAA; identify “Warm for the Winter” on the memo line. Checks may be dropped of at the LCCAA office.
Contact Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com or call her directly at 994-6444, ext. 11.
