Some stability came to the Hospitality House homeless welcome center in Grass Valley Wednesday with the award of a $200,000 grant from the state's Department of Housing and Community Development.

“Oh my gosh — this is huge for us,” said an ecstatic Executive Director Cindy Maple upon hearing the news. “It means we'll stay in business, and maybe open a little longer during the year.”

The center — where the homeless come before they are taken to area churches for the night — is scheduled to open for the season at 1 p.m. today.

For the last four years, the center on Church Street next to the United Methodist Church has operated with community donations and small government grants. The budget is $270,000 for this season, which ends next March 15.

Maple said earlier this week she may be able to keep the center open until April 15 with the grant.

Maple said Wednesday the funds will enable staff to monitor and manage the cases guests better and for longer periods of time.

“We've never had a grant over $10,000,” Maple said. “One thing I don't want the community to think we're totally covered (financially).”

“Our program is growing and we had 20 percent more guests last year with no staff increase,” Maple said. She expects another 20 percent increase during this season.

More grants and community donations will be needed to meet growth in the future, Maple said. She is also trying to raise money for a permanent homeless shelter down the road.



To contact Senior Staff Writer Dave Moller, e-mail dmoller@theunion.com or call 477-4237.