Judith Gonzalez faced a daunting challenge when she and her family found themselves homeless in **2015**. Living with her mother in Pittsburg while raising two young children, ages three and one, created immense tension. Despite her best efforts, Gonzalez and her husband struggled to secure a stable home due to credit issues. With few options left, she turned to the county’s resource hotline, resulting in their acceptance into the **Winter Nights Family Shelter**.
Arriving at the shelter, located within a local church, the family was provided a tent in a large conference room shared with other families in similar situations. Initially, Gonzalez’s children were hesitant and stayed close to her side. However, within days, they began to engage with the supportive volunteers, who provided books and assistance with homework. Gonzalez noted a significant change, observing her eldest daughter playing joyfully with other children. “They went from both clinging to my side when we came in, and then they grew to play and run around,” she reflected.
Founded in **2004**, Winter Nights operates with the help of numerous faith communities throughout **Contra Costa County**, hosting families for short periods. The nonprofit employs **13 staff members** and relies on hundreds of volunteers, many of whom have experienced homelessness themselves. These volunteers help families navigate various resources, receive financial education, and offer tutoring for children.
During their six-month stay at Winter Nights, Gonzalez’s family received critical support. When her husband’s truck broke down, the shelter covered the repair costs, ensuring he could continue driving their children to school. This financial assistance is part of Winter Nights’ broader program, which distributed **$28,000** last year to **24 households**, primarily for car repairs and rental deposits.
The shelter provided more than just physical shelter; it fostered a sense of community. On Christmas, Gonzalez and her family attended a festive dinner organized by volunteers that included gifts for the children. Regular check-ins from staff helped encourage Gonzalez to pursue a more stable living situation.
After their time at Winter Nights, the Gonzalez family transitioned into a rental home and eventually purchased a mobile home in Pittsburg. Currently, at **43 years old**, Gonzalez works as a pharmacy technician at the **UCSF Bakar Precision Cancer Medicine Building**, where she prepares chemotherapy medications for cancer patients. She maintains connections with Winter Nights staff, including **Teri Lundvall**, who once benefited from the shelter’s services before joining the team.
Reflecting on her experience, Gonzalez expressed a mix of emotions. “As a mother, I felt like I failed my kids,” she admitted. However, when she asked her daughter about their time at the shelter, her daughter responded positively, recalling the fun activities and gifts received. “Everything she was telling me was positive … it took a weight off of my heart,” Gonzalez said, relieved that her children viewed their experience through a lens of joy rather than hardship.
**Share the Spirit**, a nonprofit organization associated with the **East Bay Times**, highlights stories like Gonzalez’s to inspire community support. Donations to Winter Nights Family Shelter are crucial for continuing to provide financial assistance to homeless families, covering urgent needs such as car repairs and rental deposits. The goal for this year is to raise **$12,000** to support approximately **10 families**.
For those looking to contribute, donations can be made through the Share the Spirit website or via mail, with all contributions being tax-deductible. This communal effort not only supports families in need but also fosters a spirit of compassion and unity within the community.
