When we proudly say we are a family shelter, we mean it.
Baby Kevin arrived from the hospital the day after he was born. Shelter Manager, Melinda Palm, is quick to greet him each morning. Thanks to Melinda and Mom's Case Manager, Martin Diaz, the family has settled into a nice routine. It is surprising how thoughtful shelter guests are about a baby's cry at midnight.
For many, it brings back memories of their own children or siblings.
Our Mission Statement:
Prevent and End Homelessness in the Santa Clara River Valley.
Our commitment began on Christmas Eve morning in 2008 when we learned a Santa Paula man who was experiencing homelessness died overnight while hiding in one of our churches. Today, we serve the Santa Clara River Valley with shelter, food, many resources, and case management.
We work in partnership with the cities of Santa Paula and Fillmore, the County of Ventura, Continuum of Care, Food Share, Waste Free Ventura County, Behavioral Health and State of California CalRecycle.
Street Outreach
This is the most difficult part of our
work. Living on the street becomes normal, and if substance abuse is
part of their life, everything is more
complicated. They lose their important documents, their phone, and miss appointments. They regularly change phone numbers and everyone loses contact with them. We go where they
are and, with time, the goal is to
register them in the Homeless Management Information System to track their progress and needs.
Food Rescue
We are serious about preventing food waste. Thanks to the foresighted leadership at
Ventura County Medical Center, we are able to pick up unserved food, fresh daily, to help create the 175 hot meals served daily at
Harvard Navigation Center.
Two shelter guests are assisting Marcus Waite, Shelter Supervisor.
Food Pantries
Thanks to a grant from CalRecyle,
State of California, we became pros at rescuing food. We have two refrigerated vans and travel throughout the County on a daily basis to visit various grocery stores and food outlets including Amazon, Costco, Trader Joe's, Sprouts, Albertson's, and others. As a result, we distribute 1 million lbs of food each year to our community and our shelter food budget is at zero. We are an efficient operation and do a lot with a little.
Food Share is our great partner.
We have two food pantries each week.
The 2024 retail value of distributed food was approximately $2.3 million.
SPIRIT of Santa Paula
Our Vision, Mission, and Goal
Vision: The vision is a community united in service to one another working towards ending homelessness and food insecurity in the Santa Clara Valley.
Mission Statement: Prevent and End Homelessness in the Santa Clara River Valley.
Goal: Encourage and enable the development of good values and good character in and for the citizens of our community with an emphasis on the basic needs of the least powerful and most vulnerable among us, including shelter, health care, and mental wellness for the whole person
Click on the Blue Arrow in the circle below to meet us.
Harvard Shelter is for families experiencing homelessness
in the Santa Clara River Valley of
Ventura County CA.
Get to Know Us!
Harvard Shelter is a place where families find hope.
SPIRIT of Santa Paula has been serving the least powerful and most vulnerable in the Santa Clara Valley since 2002. It provides 49 beds year-round, 175 meals a day to shelter guests and people on the streets. We provide case management to help people get back on their feet and find permanent supportive housing. One Stop provides medical services and showers to neighbors experiencing homelessness in the Santa Clara River Valley. We distribute 2 million pounds of food each year to people who are food insecure.
This gives our shelter a zero-food budget and cruise-quality meals.
We have the highest Platinum Rating with GuideStar for fiscal transparency and board responsibility.
Wants and Needs
We appreciate your generous contribution and every little bit goes a long way.
Shelter Needs
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White T - shirts (new preferred)
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Pillowcases, zippered and moisture proof
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New men's or women's underwear
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New (preferred) white sock
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Forks, yes, forks.
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Disposable aluminum pans
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Please no clothing. We partner with Poder Popular and can direct you there. There isn't much room at Harvard.
Donations of Funds
For Special Needs
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Gasoline for the vehicles and those who are working
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Utilities - Helps prevent homelessness
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Rental Assistance
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Insurance
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Supplies
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Daily Operations
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Kids Activities and Sports Programs
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Birth Certificates
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ID Cards
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Vehicle Registrations
Help If You Can
We are always searching for funding opportunities so we can grow our programs. The competition is keen so stay engaged and involved. Your support means a lot to us.
A small non-profit like SPIRIT can never raise the money we need for the most basic operations staff.
Fortunately, we have no mortgage or rent payment, but the need is great, and we rely on the communities we serve to prevent and end homelessness.
