San Leandro Shelter Faces Need to Restock Before Reopening

San Leandro, CA (July 13, 2005) - Big changes are coming to the San Leandro Shelter, which has served homeless women and children from Alameda County since 1986. Since April 12th, the Shelter has been closed for renovation, the first time the Shelter has closed since its founding. Building Futures plans to reopen the Shelter's doors in mid-August.

Although funding from State of California and the City of San Leandro has enabled Building Futures to make long overdue improvements to the Shelter, the awarded funds did not include monies to restock the Shelter with much needed items. Building Futures does not have the money in its budget to re-equip the Shelter.

On behalf of the 275 homeless women and children served each year at the San Leandro Shelter, community members are asked to help equip the San Leandro Shelter for housing and supporting those in need.

Requested items include pots and pans; baby care items; personal care supplies such as shampoo, soap, and deodorant; first aid and earthquake readiness items; and bath sheets and towels. For information or to request a "Wish List" of needed items, call Andrea Zeppa at (510) 357-0205, ext. 132. Building Futures requests that donated items be new. Please note that the Shelter is not looking for donations of furniture or used clothing at this time.

Building Futures will host a Rededication event in early September, at which they look forward to recognizing those who help to equip the Shelter. Those who would prefer to make a monetary donation to offset costs of restocking the Shelter are encouraged to send them to: Friends of the San Leandro Shelter, Building Futures with Women and Children, 1395 Bancroft Avenue, San Leandro, CA 94577.

For information or to request a "Wish List" of needed items, call Andrea Zeppa at (510) 357-0205, ext. 132. Building Futures' mission is to build communities with underserved women and children where they are safely housed, free from homelessness and family violence. For information about Building Futures, call (510) 357-0205, or visit www.bfwc.org.

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