Homeless Shelter and Safe House Face Summer Donation Shortage
Giving Decreased During Summer Months

San Leandro, CA (July 2, 2004) - Building Futures with Women and Children reports that the San Leandro Shelter (serving homeless women and children) and Sister Me Home Safe House (for battered women and their children) are especially in need of donations this month.

Specific items requested are bedding, sweat suits, socks, underclothing, flip flops, gift certificates to shoe stores (i.e. Pay Less), and personal care items like deodorant, toothpaste, and feminine hygiene items. Sister Me Home is also in need of chests of drawers (dressers) in good condition.

The two shelters receive support from community members in San Leandro, in the form of monetary contributions, volunteers, and donations of good and services. However, in general, donations gradually decrease between the holidays and the summer months, the agency reports.

"Summer is a hard time for the shelters. By July, donations from the winter holidays have been used up, and this year we have some special needs, such as furniture for Sister Me Home. Unfortunately we can't always purchase items we need when cash is so tight while we are waiting for our grants to be renewed," says Building Futures' Development Manager Patricia Bidar.

For this type of donation, the shelters rely on generous individuals, businesses, and volunteers to help Building Futures serve the homeless and battered women and children that come to the shelters each day seeking food, shelter, safety, and support.

Both the San Leandro Shelter and Sister Me Home safe house offer comprehensive support services including case management, counseling, support groups, children's activities, transportation and job seeking assistance. These programs and services are designed to help women rebuild their lives and become independent and capable of caring for themselves and their children.

For information on how you can make donations, please call Patricia Bidar at 510-357-0205 ext. 114 or visit Building Futures' Web site at www.bfwc.org.