Castro Valley United Methodist Church is a supporter of the Family Emergency Shelter Coalition (FESCO).
FESCO has made a difference every day since our start in 1986 when a group of local churches came together around the idea that they could do more about homelessness together than individually. In our founding documents, we committed to keeping families together during their period of homelessness and for over 30 years, we have kept that commitment. In addition to serving single mothers with children, FESCO is one of the only shelters in central Alameda County that welcomes single fathers, two-parent families with children, and teenage males as part of a family group. Additionally, FESCO is one of the only shelters to house first-time pregnant mothers during their pregnancy. As a member of the Friends of FESCO, CVUMC shares in the mission to support homeless families as they move from crisis to stability, end their homelessness, and find a place called home. The Friends of FESCO meets the 3rd Monday of each month at 6:30 pm at Eden United Church of Christ.
FESCO keeps families together during their homelessness at an emergency shelter called Les Marquis House, a transitional housing program called Banyan House, and through the Linkages program, which provides financial and other coaching supports after a family has moved to permanent housing. In addition to providing warm and safe environments to families, FESCO helps provide financial planning, job skills and employment recommendations, and supports emotional wellness for both children and parents. FESCO also manages a permanent supportive housing property in Hayward.
Since 2018, FESCO has been part of the La Familia Network. As part of the Network, FESCO is able to use grant funds and community donations to directly impact the lives of homeless families. FESCO and La Familia share a set of core values: Belonging, Partnership, Self-Determination, Social Justice, and Integrity.
For more information, please contact Lizzie Colima at (510) 886-5473 ext. 101.