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