Homeless Families Living In Cars Finding Safe Haven At South Bay Churches
SAN JOSE (KCBS) -- The Bay Area's sky-high housing prices have forced many low-income families to live out of their cars, but they run the risk of being asked to move. Now, some hassle-free parking is being offered by South Bay Catholic churches.
It's not exactly a bed for the night, but folks who sleep in their cars can now park at St. John Vianney Catholic Church in East San Jose.
Sister Michele Anne Murphy says the church is offering people in need a light dinner, a hot breakfast, and most importantly, peace of mind knowing they won't be harassed.
Arlene Ramirez and Gwen Sotelo say their kids - who attend the school there, have been helping to put together "blessing bags" for the homeless families.
"My kids are really excited about it, because they know that they're helping somebody else," Ramirez said.
So far, more than a dozen churches in the San Jose Diocese are helping shelter the homeless after being asked by Pope Francis to do something for the poor during Lent.
"Bishop (Patrick) McGrath asked all the parishes to respond in some way, because there's a tremendous concern for the homeless that are on the streets – over 6,000 each night," Sister Murphy said.
How do neighbors feel about the parking program? "They got drug problems, so keep it to themselves, and keep needles in a safe place," neighbor Arnulfo Perez said.
Sister Murphy said the church can handle five cars a night. The families are asked to leave by seven the next morning.