The Fresh Start program is a respite and service center for Walnut Creek residents who are homeless or in danger of becoming homeless. Fresh Start provides the following services on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

• A safe, quiet, peaceful atmosphere ... "like home”
• Breakfast and a late lunch, including eggs, cereal and milk, fresh fruit & vegetables, snacks juice, sodas, coffee & tea
• Phones that can be used to search for housing & jobs, scheduling of medical appointments and calling family members
• Three showers and the ultimate luxury, a bathtub
• Washer & dryer
• Personalized case management
• Friendship, care and support... A strong sense of community
• Advocacy and assistance in accessing county, state and federal benefits, including disability and worker’s comp.

Additional Services include:

Court/Community Service Advocacy: Participants are able to perform volunteer service at Fresh Start in lieu of jail time for many court-related issues. The volunteer service is designed for the individual and may include literacy classes, living skills, and budget management or anger management classes, if needed.

Laundry Facility: We have a laundry facility. Fresh Start participants can have clean clothes to wear after a hot shower!

Union Dues: We assist out of work former union members reconnect with their unions. We will assist with the payment of back union dues and related costs (e.g., tools, work boots, and transportation).

Speaker's Bureau: Fresh Start participants, Executive Director & Board members are available to speak to community groups.

Kids in School: Keeping homeless children in school by advocating on their behalf with the school district to make certain state laws/guidelines that apply to homeless children are followed. We also assist with school supplies, books, field trips & school clothes.

Independent Living: Several participants who received Section 8 and subsidized housing could not live independently without substantial support services. We provide those services. They include: assistance with shopping, transportation, making & keeping medical appointments, support and guidance in everyday living skills, among others.

Budget/Money Management: A retired businessperson helps people with budgets and money management.