Judith Gonzalez faced a daunting challenge when her family needed shelter. Living with her mother in Pittsburg, California, she struggled to raise her two young children, ages three and one, alongside her husband. With increasing tension in their household and credit issues making it hard to secure housing, Gonzalez turned to the county’s resource hotline. A few days later, they received life-changing news: they had been accepted into the Winter Nights Family Shelter.
The family packed their belongings into their car and drove to a church that would serve as their temporary home. Inside a large conference room, they were provided with a tent to set up among several other families. Initially, Gonzalez’s children were quiet and hesitant, but within days, they began to engage with the volunteers who read to them and assisted with homework. Gonzalez recalled, “They went from both clinging to my side when we came in, and then they grew to play and run around. I saw how they transformed.”
Founded in 2004, Winter Nights relies on a network of faith communities throughout Contra Costa County, hosting families for two to three-week stretches. The nonprofit employs 13 staff members and engages hundreds of volunteers, many of whom have experienced homelessness themselves. They assist families in connecting with resources, accessing financial education, and providing tutoring to children.
Gonzalez found more than just shelter; she discovered a supportive community. During her family’s stay, Winter Nights provided crucial assistance when her husband’s truck broke down, covering repair costs so that he could continue transporting their children to school. This support came from Winter Nights’ financial assistance program, which distributed $28,000 to 24 households last year, primarily for car repairs and rental deposits.
The Gonzalezes also enjoyed community events, such as a festive Christmas dinner complete with gifts for the children. Staff members checked in regularly to provide encouragement and support. After six months at Winter Nights, the family moved into a rental home, then another, ultimately purchasing a mobile home in Pittsburg.
Today, Gonzalez works as a pharmacy technician at the UCSF Bakar Precision Cancer Medicine Building, where she prepares chemotherapy treatments for cancer patients. She maintains contact with Winter Nights staff, including Teri Lundvall, who was once a client herself before joining the organization as a staff member.
Reflecting on her time in the shelter, Gonzalez acknowledged feelings of guilt as a mother. “As a mother, I felt like I failed my kids. I carried that guilt for a long time,” she said. Yet, when she asked her daughter about their experience in the shelter, the response was unexpectedly positive. “It was fun,” her daughter recalled, mentioning the activities and presents they received. “Everything she was telling me was positive … it took a weight off of my heart,” Gonzalez said.
Winter Nights has proven to be a lifeline for many families facing homelessness. Last year, the organization served 22 families, with 10 securing stable housing and another five receiving housing referrals. Additionally, its safe parking programs in Antioch and Pittsburg provided crucial support to 146 individuals living in 111 cars, including nine families with 15 children.
Support from the community is vital for organizations like Winter Nights. Donations can help provide financial assistance for urgent needs, such as car repairs or rental deposits, with an average investment of $1,167 per household. The goal for Winter Nights is to raise $12,000 to assist around 10 homeless families.
For more information or to contribute, visit sharethespiriteastbay.org/donate. Through initiatives like Share the Spirit, which has been operating since 1989, the community can help fulfill the wishes of those in need during the holiday season and beyond.
