Family Shelter in Reno designed to accommodate families of all sizes

Christy and daughters Constance and Caitlin found
safety and comfort at the Family Shelter.

The 108-bed Family Shelter is one of three Volunteers of America-operated shelters at the City of Reno's Community Assistance Center in downtown Reno.

The Family Shelter is comprised of 21 units for adult(s) and children, with one room accommodating families of as many as 10 people; one room designed for as many as eight people; one room for as many as six people; and 18 rooms designed to accommodate as many as four people. In addition, there are six rooms for pregnant women in their third trimester, or for single moms with babies (age 2 and younger).

Volunteers of America was one of four organizations that received contracts from the Reno City Council Sept. 24, 2008, to provide services to the Reno area's homeless.

Volunteers of America also is operating the city's Women's Shelter as well as the Men's Shelter at the 52,000-square-foot Record Street campus.

Volunteers of America provides enhanced services designed to provide homeless individuals and families the resources and services that will get them back on their feet.

A grand-opening event was held Sept. 26, 2008, to celebrate the completion of the final phase of the Community Assistance Center, the Family Shelter and Community Resource Center Building.

"It's a great day! It's a great day!" said Mayor Bob Cashell.

“For the children, this gives them some normalcy,” said Volunteers of America CEO and president Leo McFarland of the new Family Shelter. “It becomes home so they lose some of the stigma (of being homeless).”

Volunteers of America is currently offering tours of the Family Shelter to interested community members. Click here for more information.

Debbie Caruso, program director

‘My long-term goal is to not be needed’

Shirley Gibson has been named Volunteers of America’s regional director for Northern Nevada.

Volunteers of America Greater Sacramento & Northern Nevada has named Shirley A. Gibson as regional director for its Northern Nevada programs, including Reno’s Men’s, Women’s and Family shelters.

Originally hired in 2008 as program director for Volunteers of America’s Children’s Emergency Shelter in Carson City, Nev., the Arizona native spent her early career in law enforcement before transitioning into social work – first as a case manager, then shelter director.

In late 2008, when Volunteers of America was awarded city contracts to operate a trio of shelters in downtown Reno, it was a foregone conclusion that an experienced, compassionate individual would be needed to lead the organization’s expanded efforts to end homelessness and support the most vulnerable in Nevada.

When government budget cuts forced the closure of the Children’s Emergency Shelter in early spring 2009, Gibson was immediately considered an ideal choice to represent Volunteers of America as director of all Northern Nevada programs, including an affordable-housing property for seniors in Reno.

“I'm proud of our accomplishments at the Reno shelters over the last six months,” said Gibson. “Thanks to the combined efforts of our supporters, volunteers, staff and board, this has been an exciting time for the organization.

“From increasing the number of men and women and families that we serve, to our ongoing work of expanding opportunities for our clients, we are fulfilling our mission of serving the homeless– and those at risk of homelessness – more than ever.”

In addition to her oversight responsibilities for all existing Northern Nevada programs, Gibson will be taking the lead in developing community partnerships with individuals and corporations in the Greater Reno community.

“As the new regional director, I look forward to forging new relationships with new allies within our community, and working toward serving – and being a service – to the community."

While definitely looking forward to her new role with Volunteers of America, Gibson says her long-term goal is "to not be needed."

"Wouldn't that be wonderful?" she asks, "A world ... in which we didn't need any shelters?"