Midway Shelter, St. Vincent de Paul Announce New Partnership

The Midway Shelter and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul of Alameda have begun an exciting new partnership to help homeless women and children living in Alameda. St. Vincent de Paul approached Building Futures with Women and Children, which operates Midway, with the idea of providing vouchers each month so that shelter residents can access clothing and other items at St. Vincent de Paul thrift stores for free.

"Because Midway doesn't have the storage space to accept donations of clothing, we were especially glad to hear from St. Vincent de Paul," said Building Futures' development manager, Patricia Bidar. "It allows us to steer Alamedans who wish to donate clothing to St. Vincent de Paul - and lets shelter residents choose the clothes they like for themselves and their kids."

"We're spreading the word to Alamedans that they can help homeless women and children by donating clothing to St. Vincent de Paul," says Donna Watson, a longtime St. Vincent de Paul volunteer.

Last month, the new partnership was tested when a Midway Shelter resident, Paula, needed an outfit to wear to a job interview at Mervyn's. The manager of the St. Vincent de Paul store helped her choose an outfit and a pair of shoes. Bolstered by her new outfit and a new connection with her community, Paula landed the job after her first interview.

Midway Shelter Manager Tiffany Outerbridge says that Paula's experience, which began with a new outfit and the knowledge that her community is behind her, has had a ripple effect at the shelter. "Her success has inspired other women at the shelter to apply for new jobs. The residents gather at the dining table and compare notes. And it all started with a new outfit from the local thrift store," says Tiffany. "We're thrilled to be able to offer the vouchers."

The Midway Shelter is operated by Building Futures with Women and Children, a nonprofit organization which has served women and children in need since 1986. Residents are provided with shelter, meals, and support services designed to help them build brighter futures, including case management, therapy, and an award-winning Children's Program. The Society of St. Vincent de Paul of Alameda has provided assistance to people in need since 1938. Those who wish to donate clothing or other items to St. Vincent de Paul should drop their donations at the Alameda thrift store, 2315 Lincoln Avenue, Alameda, or contact the St. Vincent de Paul District Offices at (510) 638-7600 regarding donation pickups in their area.

For information about the Midway Shelter, call Patricia Bidar at (510) 357-0205, ext. 114 or visit www.bfwc.org. For information about the Society of St. Vincent de Paul of Alameda County, please visit www.svdp-alameda.org or call Christine Comella at 510-636-4255.