Mercy House

Feb. 2009
Valentines’ No Show Dinner

♥ Be Our Valentine ♥ This Valentine’s Day, the Mercy House Board of Directors cordially invites you not to attend our Annual No Show Benefit Dinner 2009. Though we enjoy seeing your smiling face, your absence will help us continue to help the homeless – and your exceedingly generous donation will, too. So open your heart this February 14th and give. Then sit back, relax and by all means, stand us up – please!

In a recent article in the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, staff reporter Liset Marquez outlined the need for supplies in the Homeless Services Area in Ontario, Calif. managed by Mercy House.

With rain in the forecast for the next couple of days, officials with Mercy House are asking for the community’s help to keep residents warm in the Homeless Services Area – also known as Tent City.

Mercy House, an agency fighting to end homelessness, has partnered with the city to provide temporary housing as well as managing Tent City, said Larry Haynes, executive director for Mercy House.

“There are a number of things that we’re in need of like sleeping bags, hiking supplies,” Haynes said. “The biggest issue is keeping them warm.”

Haynes said his agency is always in need of the community’s help. Mercy House is still looking for churches or groups to help feed the homeless, he said.

A recent issue is that the residents are getting items stolen from their tents, Haynes said. “We’re looking for a solution,” he said. “If they leave their tent someone else will go in there and steal their stuff.”

Haynes said Mercy House is asking the community to donate some kind of storage bins with locks to help curb the problem. “If people have creative thoughts then we’re wide open to it,” Haynes said.

The public is invited to drop off donations at Mercy House Walk-In Center, 905 E. Holt Ave. Call (909) 460-6768 for hours of operation.