Keep our winter homeless shelter open! For the past 8 years, the Homeless Coalition of San Benito County has leased 6 rooms and the kitchen at the migrant labor camp from the Farm Labor Association. The coalition has been paying approximately $19,000 per year to use the facilities. The Coalition has been responsible for all janitorial services, cleaning, garbage disposal and property damage. Now the Farm Labor association has raised the rent by $4,530, added $750 in other fees and is requiring the Coalition to purchase all dinner meals from the Farm Labor Association’s food vendor at a cost of approximately $20,000 per year. The Coalition simply does not have the funds to meet these demands. However, the Coalition has proposed two scenarios that will meet all financial obligations for normal operation costs, place money into an account for future equipment replacement, place money into an account for building and grounds renovation and place money into an account for property damage. The San Benito County will soon make a decision that will have an effect on the operation of the homeless shelter We, the undersigned, strongly urge the San Benito County Board of Supervisors to accept one of the Coalition’s proposals or offer a compromise that will allow the Coalition to use the kitchen for meal preparation at no increased cost.