About US
Mission Statement:
CIRCLE OF HOPE FAMILY SHELTER
To advocate for homeless families and assist them by providing temporary shelter, case management, collaboration with the City of Corona and other service providers. Our intent is to develop mutual respect with clients and encourage each adult towards achieving self sufficiency.
The Circle of Hope Family Shelter in Corona, California is the last resort housing for many families with children ranging in age from newborn to 18 years old. Over 50 percent of the homeless persons served in our shelter are children under 10 years of age. In Riverside County, almost 5000 people are homeless and of that 1 in 5 are school-aged children. (Source: IURD* Homeless Census 2005) *The Institute for Urban Research and Development
What is Homelessness:
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There are almost 5,000 homeless people in Riverside County today. Between 1000 and 1200 live in the Corona area, with over 50% of this population being children under the age of ten. 90% of homeless women have suffered abuse at some time in their life. Our population is very diverse and includes people of all ages, faiths, ethnicity, race and educational backgrounds. An ever increasing number of homeless are whole families and people on a fixed income, mainly seniors, disabled and veterans.
Without the Circle of Hope Family Shelter, these families and children would return to sleeping in orange groves, under bridges, in the riverbed, or in the back seat of a family car. Also, single mothers, often victims of domestic violence, would be forced back onto the streets, at substantial risk of harm and injury.
We need your assistance to adopt our shelter and our homeless families in order to keep our shelter doors open to the hundreds of persons served annually. In 2004, 1,206 homeless persons were served at our shelter receiving parenting, financial planning, anger management, case management, shelter, and food services (over 74,000 meals served through the shelter). In 2005, we expect a 40 percent increase in homelessness, due to the high cost of living in southern California. With your assistance, we can keep the doors of our shelter open for years to come. (Source: COHFS Stats 2004)
OUR HISTORY
Homeless Task Force of Corona had its beginning in October 1998 when members of the community came together out of a concern for the homeless and near homeless of our area. The Homeless Task Force was incorporated on May 17, 2000.
On April 18, 2003 the Homeless Task Force assumed the responsibility over the operation of the Circle of Hope Family Shelter. The shelter is primarily for women, single parents with children, and families. The shelter is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. And is the only emergency shelter serving families, women and children in the Inland Empire.
Homeless Task Force of Corona currently has over 20 local nonprofit organizations represented at Task Force monthly meetings as well as representatives from the City of Corona, the Corona Police Department and pastors from several churches. With this varied representation the basic needs of the homeless and near homeless in the Corona/Norco area can be met. The Task Force and member agencies meet once a month to network and share information. The Police Department and City of Corona also report any concerns or suggestions they might have.
CREED for our Shelter
Compassion
Respect
Empathy
Empowerment
DignityBOARD ROSTER
HOMELESS TASK FORCE OF CORONAPresident
John “Buddy” Suitor, Corona/Norco Bible Fellowship
P.O. Box 1144
Corona, CA. 92880Vice President/ Treasurer
Harry Kries, Corona First Baptist Church
155 W. 8th St
Corona, CA 92882Secretary
Bettie Schultz
821 E. Grand Blvd.
Corona, CA. 92879Director
Teri Awad
1003 W. 5th St.
Ontario, CA. 91762Director
Jacque Nielsen, Corona Police Department
815 W. 6th Street
Corona, CA 92878