Capacity Expanded At Concord, Contra Costa Shelters During Storms

CONCORD, CA — In anticipation of another series of heavy rain storms this week, Contra Costa Health and community organizations expanded capacity at shelters in Concord and other Contra Costa cities for unsheltered homeless people and families, as well as increased outreach to deliver supplies to those who remain outdoors.

Here is a breakdown of the expanded shelter and warming-center capacity this week:

• Concord Service Center overnight Warming Center increased capacity from six slots to 15, effective Jan. 8
• SHELTER, Inc. added capacity for 10 families in Martinez and Pittsburg, effective Jan. 8
• Greater Richmond Interfaith Program (GRIP) added capacity for 20 adults and 3 families, effective Jan. 8
• Trinity Center Winter Program in Walnut Creek added capacity for up to 50 adults, effective Jan. 9
• Delta Landing in Pittsburg can expand by six beds, effective Jan. 9
• Bay Area Rescue Mission has up to nine beds available for men and up to 14 beds for the Women and Children's Shelter, effective Jan. 8

Anyone needing assistance with shelter placement should contact the Contra Costa Crisis Center by calling 211.

CCH also temporarily expanded hours and staffing for the CORE homeless-outreach program to help facilitate shelter placements and deliver supplies such as tarps, blankets, sleeping bags, gloves and beanies to unsheltered homeless people who remain outdoors.

The county's outreach teams are in need of — in order of importance — sleeping bags, gloves and beanies, tarps and blankets. Donations can be dropped off at 2400 Bisso Lane, Suite D in Concord.

Community members and organizations who would like to volunteer labor or space can contact the Bay Area chapter of the Red Cross.

According to the National Weather Service, dry weather on Thursday would be followed by mainly light rain Friday except heavier in the North Bay. Then on Saturday, a moderate strength system will impact the entire Bay Area. A brief break Saturday night into early Sunday will be followed by more rain Sunday into Monday.

"Widespread flooding impacts are expected as soils are already saturated and many waterways are running high from the recent heavy rainfall to start the month of January," the weather service said.