Submitted by Alison Tudor —
MARIPOSA — Though Sunday, Nov. 20 the Alliance for Community Transformations Mariposa Heritage House/Wellness Center (MHH) reminds that it is National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness week and, as we prepare to pause and give thanks for all the richness in our lives, we are also offered the opportunity to help those in our community who are need. In recognition of National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness week, the MHH invites the public to a couple of events to support those experiencing hunger and homelessness: the first is tonight, with a fundraiser dinner at Charles Street at 5:30 p.m. Later this week, a coat/toiletry drive and open house will take place at Mariposa Heritage House, on Nov. 20 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Hunger and homelessness in Mariposa is a complex issue and experienced by our community’s most vulnerable members. Those living in need find themselves in this situation for a variety of unique systemic and personal reasons including a shortage of affordable housing in Mariposa County for very low-income residents, lack of employment opportunities, declining public resources, domestic violence, mental illness, and addiction. However, with support, these individuals can often rebound from these difficult situations and move beyond them. Last year, here in Mariposa, 21 chronically homeless residents were able to establish permanent housing thanks to supportive services from both government sectors and Mariposa Heritage House/Wellness Center.
MHH is a safe, healthy, clean and sober support center reaching out to adults and their families, seeking to change their lives. By providing peer counseling, referrals to support and services, drug court support and advocacy, employment and education support, life skill training, local medical transport, help with finding housing and basic needs (food, clothing, school supplies), MHH empowers people to successfully navigate the difficult situations in their lives and build a positive path forward.
MHH is doing the critical work on the ground to support the health and vitality of our community and by supporting them we are supporting Mariposa at large and demonstrating the power of generosity in our community.
Supporting Mariposa Heritage House/Wellness Center during National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness week is easy. Plan on attending the fundraiser for MHH at Charles Street Dinner House tonight, Nov. 15th at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $30 which includes a three-course dinner and presentation, and may be purchased at the Alliance for Community Transformations administrative offices located at 5174 Hwy 140; 209.742.6456.
Additionally, MHH will be hosting an open house and coat/toiletry drive on Sunday, Nov. 20, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 5200 Highway 49 North in Mariposa. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the work MHH is doing directly from staff and drop off needed items – coats, socks, gloves, warm hats, umbrellas, new sleeping bags, new or gently used backpacks, razors, shaving cream, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, Pioneer Market gift cards ($5-20), Subway gift cards ($5-20), and Rite Aid gift cards ($5-20).
Mariposa Heritage House/Wellness Center is a program of the Alliance for Community Transformations, which provides responsive and preventative services to individuals and families, and works through partnerships and collective action to create truly safe, healthy and socially just communities where every member thrives.
Alison Tudor is the Executive Director of the Alliance for Community Transformations
