Berkeley Emergency Storm Shelter

The Berkeley Emergency Storm Shelter provides shelter for people living outside during the 6-month period of inclement weather from November to April.

The goal is to get people off the streets for at least a period of time for their own well-being. During this time Dorothy Day House can offer linkage to housing, health, and other resources depending on what the person’s immediate needs are. Emergency shelters play an incredibly important part in homelessness prevention, as they are often the first place that people turn to for support – which they typically can get in addition to a temporary shelter.

At the end of each season, guests have the option to continue shelter services with DDHS or our neighbor shelters for a continuum of care.

At a Glance

Services

Safe place to sleep
Connection to partner organizations for more permanent housing, medical care, and employment.

How to get help

Referral through:

Your Outreach Provider
Bay Area Community Services (BACS)BACS HRC for direct referral: 510-495-0131

WHAT PEOPLE SAY

JOHN GOANA

DDH FINANCE MANAGER

I had been sleeping outside for a while, and that’s how I became acquainted with Dorothy Day House – when it was still a seasonal shelter,” he continued, “I was really grateful for the services they provided and started volunteering to give back – and I have been here ever since.

DANIEL GARCIA

BESS PROGRAM COORDINATOR

My proudest moments as a coordinator are the nonverbal cues from the people we help. You can tell by the smiles on their faces that our guests feel safe and genuinely cared for - I am honored to be a part of that.

MARK NEWSOM,

VOLUNTEER

There are many people out there trying hard during tough times. Homelessness is not only the lack of a roof; it is a lack of community and a lack of a family. We can give people shelter and food, which is essential. But moving to a better life is only possible when they can receive the personal support that they need.