Where can Fresno’s homeless access resources? Here’s a guide to shelter, food and more

For those new to homelessness, navigating the limited resources available can be confusing and, oftentimes, puts you at the end of a long waiting list.

The challenges are further complicated because, as Faith in the Valley homeless advocate Rain Chamberlain said, “nobody is ever just dealing with homelessness.”

“They are dealing with domestic violence situations; they’re dealing with CPS (child protective services); they’re dealing with debt collectors; they’re dealing with sometimes criminal, legal stuff. They’re dealing with employment struggles; they’re dealing with health struggles,” Chamberlain added.

If you have recently lost shelter or are at risk of becoming homeless, this guide provides information on what is available to you. However advocates for the unhoused community said many resources are at capacity and some may not be viable options for everyone.

If your questions are unaddressed, fill out this form. This article will be updated with information answering questions from the form.

Are you eligible for shelter?

What constitutes homelessness and determination of eligibility for services depend largely on the organization providing shelter, Chamberlain said.

For instance, someone who was evicted and is temporarily staying in a motel may not qualify for shelter, nor might someone who is couch surfing. However, someone who is living in their vehicle or on the streets would, Chamberlain said.

CalWorks defines “homeless” families as those that don’t have their own place to stay at night, that are staying in a shelter with limited time, that are staying in a place that is not habitable, and those that do not have a permanent residence for sleeping.

How do I access shelters in Fresno?

To access nearly any shelter in Fresno, you must first receive a “referral” from an access point -- a place that links you to available services, based on your specific needs.

The access points cannot guarantee immediate housing or shelter, nor can they guarantee hotel vouchers.

Unlike most shelters, The Fresno Mission accepts walk-ins, but space is limited and there is a long waitlist.

For more information on shelters, go here.

Where are the access points located?

Here are where the access points are located in the city of Fresno:

• MAP Point at Poverello House is located at 412 F St. and is open Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. MAP Point can be reached at 559-512-6777 Ext. 1.

• Naomi’s House is located at 412 F St. and is open 24/7. Naomi’s House can be reached at 559-443-1531.

• Golden State Triage Center, located at 1415 W Olive Ave, is open Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. They can be reached at 559-442-8075.

• The Welcome Center, located at 2904 E Belgravia Ave., is open Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Call 559-334-6402 for more information.

Additional access points in Fresno and Madera County can be found at fresnomaderahomeless.org.

The Poverello House’s HOPE Team also does homeless outreach seven days a week and guides people into the coordinated entry system.

The Fresno Mission, also has 24-hour emergency services that help people connect with resources and housing. The Fresno Mission can be reached at (559) 444-0451 or communitycare@fresnomission.org. Walk-ins are also welcomed at 315 G Street, Fresno.

The Marjaree Mason Center runs the Domestic Violence Coordinated Entry System and serves as an access site for those experiencing domestic violence. . The MMC also provides confidential safe housing if you have no where to go to escape domestic violence. Their 24-hour-crisis line can be reached at 559-233-4357.

How many shelter beds are there and how many more are needed?

According to H. Spees, Fresno City Homeless initiatives director, estimated the number of homeless individuals in Fresno is around 4,000.

He however estimates that the number of shelter beds in the city is around 1,200, but the number fluctuates often. Through state funds, the city was able to purchase motels and convert them to emergency homeless shelters during the pandemic-- opening up hundreds more beds.

What services are available through the Department of Social Services?

If you are eligible for Calworks, your family may qualify for the following

• A 16-day motel voucher once a year.

• A security deposit to obtain new housing.

• Two months of rental arrears to avoid an eviction.

Contact the Fresno County Homeless Assistance general information line, Monday-Friday between 7:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. for more information.

Where can I access food?

The following locations provide food daily:

• The Poverello House, located at 412 F St. Fresno, offers breakfast, Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m., Saturday- Sunday 9 a.m; lunch, Monday - Sunday at noon; and dinner, Monday - Saturday at 4 p.m.

• The Fresno Rescue Mission, located at 285 G Street, offers breakfast, 6 a.m. daily; sack lunches daily; and dInner, 5 p.m. daily.

• The Central California Food Bank food pantries also distribute food through pantries at partner organizations across Fresno, according to Alicia Linares, the program director. Linares said while the Food Bank and distribution pantries do not serve hot food, they are often able to fill up a box of food that doesn’t require a kitchen. To learn where food pantries are located or to schedule to pick up a box of food, visit ccfoodbank.org/food-locator or call 411

Are there any showers for homeless people in the city of Fresno?

The following locations have showers available for unhoused individuals.

• The Poverello House , located 412 F St., has showers available to men Sunday-Friday from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. and Sunday - Friday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. for women.

The city is set to hear a proposal to purchase mobile shower trailers in the near future, according to City Councilmember Miguel Arias.

Advice from formerly homeless residents

Chamberlain and Dez Martinez, who founded We Are Not Invisible, were both formerly homeless and gave the following advice:

• Get a P.O. Box right away so you can receive mail consistently.

• If possible, get storage, even if it is just a lock box at the bank to store your identification information.

• Have proof that you are unhoused, such as an eviction notice.

• Have a go-bag for your most important items to keep with you at all times.

• Get a gym membership or sign up for college classes to access showers and a place to charge your phone

• Go to Fresno City Council meetings and let your council members know your needs.

For more detailed tips, go here.

If I am on the verge of homelessness what resources are available?

If you are at risk of eviction for nonpayment of rent, there are protections in place.

• In the city of Fresno, an eviction moratorium is still in place for nonpayment of rent.

• In Fresno County where the eviction moratorium has ended, landlords cannot evict tenants for nonpayment of rent if they have not applied for the emergency rental assistance program.

• Both the city and county operate emergency rental assistance programs that are still ongoing.

• If you live in the city of Fresno and feel that you are being wrongfully evicted, you can apply to the Eviction Protection Program.

For more information about protections in place, go here.

What questions do you have?

This guide is a work in progress. If you are homeless and have additional questions about resources or tips, please fill out the form below or call/text reporter Cassandra Garibay at 559-441-6004.

This story was originally published October 20, 2021 at 5:00 AM.