What will my donation be used for?
To construct a safe, developmentally appropriate playground for children living at the homeless shelter. Click on the links to see the proposed design of the playground and pictures of the equipment that we need.

To provide an area surrounding the playground for parents to supervise the children and as an area for families to socialize.

Why the need for a playground?
Homelessness in San Benito County is a hidden problem. Rarely do we see homeless individuals on the streets. Some live in encampments in isolated areas or in vehicles. Many live in substandard and unhealthy conditions (e.g., overcrowded, blighted housing such as garages and shacks) or move from home to home of friends or relatives. The current homeless shelter has the capacity to serve 30 families annually, which includes 80 children. On the average, 250 families wait to enter the Shelter.

Children are particularly affected by homelessness. Because of the instability of the home environment, the children miss school regularly and lack other opportunities for socialization with peers. When such conditions exist, homeless children are deprived of the basic developmental need for play. Lack of play contributes to deficits in social, emotional, and cognitive development often seen in homeless children. The homeless shelter playground provides equipment and an area to play that helps the children improve gross and fine motor abilities, interpersonal skills, and cognitive functioning. Unfortunately, the current playground was decommissioned because its antiquated equipment was hazardous and the area had inadequate protective surfaces, as well as not meeting current regulations for playgrounds and accessibility to disabled individuals. Without a playground, the children do not have an age appropriate environment in which to alleviate psychological deficits caused by the conditions of homelessness.

Who will be served by this program?
The project will serve homeless families, including parents and children between the ages of three and thirteen. Older adolescents can also use the playground but typically they do not see this as a developmentally appropriate activity. All members of the target population will be San Benito County residents, from all ethnic groups, genders, and income levels, although typically the clients are from low and very low income groups.

How much needs to be raised?
We need to raise $35,000 of which $20,000 needs to be in cash for purchase of equipment and material. The remaining amount is in-kind donations of materials.

To date, we have received donations from A & N Plumbing, Huboi Architectural Services AIA, Washington Mutual, Sacred Hearts Parish School, and United Way of San Benito County.

How do I donate to this project?
Cash donations in any amount can be made by mailing your check to CSDC, 1101 San Felipe Road, Hollister, CA 95023.

You may make your donation on-line using a credit card through our secure, encrypted server.

We will need volunteers to assist in erecting the playground equipment and installing the protective surface material (engineered wood chips). We have not set the date for this project yet. If you may be interested in helping, please contact our executive director.

Who do I contact if I have questions or want more information?
Please contact our executive director.

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