Drop-in center moves location

With an increasing need for more space, the Jubilee Center, a drop-in location for transient and homeless people, has moved.

It is now at 301 Hot Springs Road, Ste. 6.

Executive Director Jean Roberts said the new location has room for more services and programs. It has about 450 members and is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 1-5 p.m. on Saturday.

"We now have 2,500 square-feet instead of 765," Roberts said.

"Carson Mental Health on a weekly basis now performs evaluations to determine whether a member needs care as far as mental health or treatment of any kind. It couldn't have happened if we had not moved."

A surprise Roberts received after the move was a phone call from Dave Wyble Sr., junior vice commander of the Disabled American Veterans, Department of Nevada, offering a new washer and dryer. It was delivered Wednesday afternoon.

"There is a great need for it," Roberts said. "FISH only has one, so this will kind of lighten their load, too. There will be limits to its use, but we do need one.

"And I need volunteers. The biggest thing is for volunteers to interact with members. To just talk, play cards and watch the kitchen -- continue throughout the day to serve food and keep the kitchen area clean, help keep things running."

Wyble said he remembered the Jubilee Center from the holidays. He knew veterans used the facility and wanted to have something there they could use, also.

"I figured it would be a good tool for them (center) to use," Wyble said. "When I called, they said, 'sure.' Jean said the washer and dryer were on their list of priority needs. It filled a void."

Roberts said the old location provided no real privacy either. She now has an office and there is a kitchen area.

"The larger space has also given us storage space for food, clothing, blankets and sleeping bags -- all of which are donated."

Roberts did add she is still in need of financial assistance so she can pay bills.

"People have just come in off the street and handed me donation checks. It's wonderful. And we need that to continue."

The new location also provides space for a game room, which has a foosball table and ping pong. A second phone line has been added for members only, to use for job searches and as a job message line.

"It's easier for us to serve their needs and offer programs under these conditions," Roberts said.

YOU CAN HELP

What: Jubilee Center

Volunteers and donations needed

Where: P.O. Box 2193, Carson City, NV 89702

Call: 841-3988