How does someone get into Gabriel’s House?
It all starts with a phone call. Anyone can call us at any time, day or night, at 805-487-3445. We’re always here to answer the phones. We’ll do a phone screening and see if our program best serves them. If we can’t help, we will refer them to a partnering agency.
Who qualifies for Gabriel’s House?
We help women with or without children. We can take women who have mild to moderate mental illness. They need to be 30 days clean and able to work. If they are not in sobriety, we will refer them to a local drug and alcohol program. We can take women with girls of any age or boys up to age 12 or a little older, depending on the boy. We also take transitional age youth from 18-24, which many have aged out of the foster care system.
If I see someone who is homeless, what should I do?
First, greet them! Look them in the eye and say hello. Too often, we treat homeless people as if they are invisible. Be kind and at least nod and acknowledge them. We don’t recommend that you give them cash – it just keeps them in homelessness. Instead, if they are outside a restaurant, offer to buy them a drink or a meal, if you feel inclined. You can stand in line with them, have them order the food, and you can pay for it. Often, they’re turned away from restaurants, so being with you helps the owner to see them as a customer rather than as a needy person. You can even decide to sit with them and hear their story if you wish, or you can tell them to enjoy their food and go on with your day.
Should I give Gabriel’s House number to a homeless woman?
Absolutely! She can call any time: 805-487-3445. If we can’t help, we know who can.
What number should I give to a homeless man?
Anyone can call 211 and ask for help. As 911 is for emergencies, 211 is for people in need. It’s a referral hotline, and anyone can call at any time and get help.
Can my church help?
Absolutely! We can always use volunteers! Church members can come for a tour and hear about our programs and decide how they want to participate. We have workdays where a group can come and volunteer. They can lead a night of fireside worship and prayer. We invite any church to participate as one of our sponsoring churches. There are many ways to involve your church.
Can I volunteer? Can I mentor someone?
Yes! We have lots of volunteer opportunities. There are possibilities to mentor one of our women. You can provide a meal for the House – sign up on Meal Train at https://mealtrain.com/2660w8 – it can be home-cooked or ordered out. You might come by to share with our women how you got into your career and what is needed to join your profession. You could help build something for the house – can you make a picture frame? If you can garden, do yard maintenance, or landscape, we would love your help. You could make or buy dessert for a birthday girl. You might even be the right person to teach a class – we have a wide variety of classes on things like budgeting, maintaining sobriety, bible classes, and much more. There are many ways to participate!
What kind of women do you help?
There are several reasons why women become homeless. Some are fleeing domestic violence. Others have been in jail. Many struggle with alcoholism or drug abuse. Some have mild to moderate mental illnesses, such as anxiety or depression. We help women of all ages: from 18 as a Transitional Age Youth to women in their 70s and 80s who ran out of savings or lost their money to a scam artist.
How do you ensure new residents do not bring Covid into Gabriel’s House?
Every resident must have a negative covid test prior to entry.
How has Gabriel’s House dealt with Covid?
We have taken numerous Covid precautions. Our residents have jobs, and when they return from being outside the house, we take their temperature and have them wash their hands. There are hand washing and sanitizing stations throughout the house. All staff and residents wear masks in the common areas and test bi-monthly for Covid. We will be offering the vaccine to all staff and residents.
Can I see Gabriel’s House?
Yes! We would be delighted to give you a tour. Call Director Tammy Duff at 805-487-3400. We would be happy to arrange a tour so you can see what we do and perhaps meet some of our residents. Please check out our Facebook page @ Gabriel’s House Oxnard, Instagram @ gabriels_house_tkc, and our YouTube channel @ Gabriel’s House Oxnard to see videos and pictures.
Who funds you?
Here’s a pie chart of where our support comes from:
I have a different question.
Please feel free to call us at any time at 805-487-3400. We would be happy to answer your questions. Who knows? Your question might appear next on this page!