NORTH HOLLYWOOD : Women’s Shelter Wins $50,000 Grant

A nonprofit organization for homeless women and children will host a reception Friday at its North Hollywood shelter to celebrate the presentation of a $50,000 grant from the UPS Foundation.

The Women’s Care Cottage, which served more than 6,000 women and children last year through its San Fernando Valley shelter and day drop-in center, was selected by the UPS Foundation from hundreds of organizations throughout Southern California, Arizona, Utah and Hawaii. The foundation is funded by United Parcel Service.

The organization, which operates its day drop-in center from a one-bedroom cottage in Van Nuys, will use the grant to move to a larger site.

Cynthia Caughey, executive director of Women’s Care Cottage, said while directors have not yet found a site and still need to raise about $200,000 for the move, she said the grant marks an important step.

The 800-square-foot cottage on the property of the First United Methodist Church on Sylvan Street offers hot meals, showers, clothing, assessment and shelter referrals for up to 50 homeless women and children every day.

One case manager said confidentiality is sometimes difficult because the crowded room serves as a reception center and assessment area for dozens of women and children at a time.

“What I’m looking forward to is being able to provide a higher quality of service,” said case manager Donna Cox. “When you have a little more elbow room you’re able to concentrate a little better.”

The reception will begin at 10 a.m. at 6428 Whitsett Ave. in North Hollywood.