The Cupertino Courier

News

Cold snap draws hundreds to protection of area shelter

By Stephen Baxter

Below-freezing temperatures in Cupertino and Sunnyvale last week drew hundreds to homeless shelters, and the shelter at the National Guard Armory in Sunnyvale exceeded its normal capacity on Jan. 13.

To better accommodate the homeless, Santa Clara County declared a rare state of emergency to allow the shelters to serve more than their usual limits.

At the Sunnyvale armory on Jan. 12, 127 escaped the 30-degree night and received food and a place to sleep. The usual capacity at the facility at 620 E. Maude Ave. is 125, but it can hold up to 225, said Stephanie Schaaf, a spokeswoman for EHC Lifebuilders

The San Jose-based nonprofit runs cold weather shelters in Sunnyvale, San Jose and Gilroy.

"It's been really heartwarming for us to see people support the homeless this time," Schaaf said.

The Sunnyvale shelter is open from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. each night, and people from Cupertino are welcome. The program will run until the end of March.