North County works together to provide services to the homeless population

Posted: 9:33 am, March 6, 2017 by Reporter Jackie Iddings

–North County organizations and volunteers are at work providing meals, shelter and transitional services aimed at breaking the homelessness cycle. Paso Cares, ECHO (El Camino Homeless Organization) and Loaves and Fishes in Paso Robles are a few of the organizations reaching out to the homeless population of North County.

A snapshot of North County resources

Paso Cares: Food available every day from 5-5:45 pm at 2345 Riverside Avenue at 24th Street, Paso Robles. Nightly shelter and transportation is available for those who pass the screening process, which includes a name check of the sex offender database. Pets are not allowed. Paso Cares Director Cherie Michaelson, said that pedophiles are not allowed at the shelters.
ECHO: Nightly 5-6 pm meals at 6370 Atascadero Mall, Atascadero. Temporary shelter and family services are also available. Call (805) 462-3663.
Warming Center: St. William’s Parish, 6410 Santa Lucia Rd, Atascadero. The Warming Center is open overnight when the temperature is predicted to drop below 35 degrees or there is a 50% chance of rain. To find out if the center is open call (805) 462-3663 and press #.
Loaves and Fishes, Paso Robles: Distributes groceries and personal supplies at 2650 Spring Street. Hours are Monday – Wednesday and Friday 2:00 – 4:00 pm (except holidays) Thursday 5:30 – 7:00 pm. Phone: (805) 238-4742.
Atascadero Loaves and Fishes: Distributes groceries and personal supplies at 5411 El Camino Real, Atascadero. Hours are Monday – Friday 1 – 3 pm. Phone (805) 461-1504.
Central Coast LINK, a community and school-based program linking families with community services. The heart of the LINK program is the Family Advocate, connecting families with community resources and providing in-home support.
- Atascadero LINK Family Resource Center, 6500A Morro Road, Atascadero phone: (805) 466-5404. Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Paso LINK Family Resource Center, 1802 Chestnut Street, Paso Robles. Phone (805) 238-2775. Hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Salvation Army provides limited resources once every two years per individual. Available services and hours of operation depend on the location. For more information:
- Paso Robles Service Unit, phone (805) 238-9591
- Atascadero Service Unit, phone (805) 466-7201
- Morro Bay Service Unit, phone (805) 772-7062
MASH (Mobile Assistance and Services Addressing Homelessness) connects vulnerable populations with vital resources at different locations in the county throughout the year. The services include medical, dental, behavioral health, employment assistance, legal assistance, free identification cards from DMV, veterinary care for dogs, and much more. Flyers notifying the public of the dates and locations are available through organizations providing support services and posted throughout the county. Transportation is available and pick-up points will be announced on the flyers.
- The next North County MASH event is October 25, 2017, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.at Estrella Hall in the Paso Robles Event Center.
- Upcoming events at other locations in the county are:
  - May 25, 2017 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Veterans Hall in San Luis Obispo
  - August 29, 2017 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Hillside Church in Grover Beach

Area shelter information is available by calling 2-1-1 or AWC Daily information is recorded at (805) 462-3663, (press # when the recording starts.)

Paso Cares, ECHO, and many of these listed organizations rely on volunteers to help provide their services. To volunteer, make a donation, or for more information contact the organization directly.