It
’s hard to heap enough praise on the aggregation of private,
church and public entities that pulled together for a Morgan Hill
dayworker center.
It’s hard to heap enough praise on the aggregation of private, church and public entities that pulled together for a Morgan Hill dayworker center.
The South County Dayworker Center’s groundbreaking Monday morning showcased what can be done with a problem, an idea, some hard work and lots of fundraising. While the sun didn’t exactly shine on the event, the rain held off and the sky was brightened by a full rainbow.
Julian Mancias was chair of the St. Catherine’s Dayworker Committee – the group that targeted the problem of casual laborers hanging about East Main Avenue and Depot Street, waiting in all weathers, without restroom facilities, for day work.
Mancias is now chair of the center’s board of directors, which will operate the center with America Romero as director.
Mayor Dennis Kennedy and Councilwoman Hedy Chang, with help from Councilman Greg Sellers and most of the City Council approved some funding to help the organizers along. The council also encouraged creativity in complying with building code rules, allowing the center a bit of latitude in parking and utility undergrounding matters.
Council allowed Anthony Eulo, assistant to the city manager, time to act as hands-on liaison between the Dayworker Committee and the city. Eulo was praised by Mancias and received applause for his efforts.
St. Catherine’s Catholic Church and Father Eugene O’Donnell supported the committee’s initial efforts, though later other religious institutions joined the effort.
But a really critical cog in the machine is Weston Miles Architects, the firm that provided the center’s site. For a rent of $1 per month, WMA will allow two portable buildings to establish themselves on a vacant parcel next to the former Isaacson’s Grain Co. building, which the firm is renovating into offices – and newly called “The Granary.” Charles Weston and Lesley Miles have also provided considerable pro bono work for the center.
Some citizens have voiced the opinion that public money should not be spent helping men whom they consider to be undocumented. Lisa DeSilva of Community Solutions pointed out at Monday’s event that the men may or may not be undocumented but they are there. Residents use their labor; more would if the language barrier could be breached. The Dayworker Center is a solution to the problems.
The board of directors: Julian Mancias, chair; Mario Bañuelos, vice-chair; Susan Koepp-Baker, secretary; Bill Keig, treasurer; Jeanne Alexander, Armando Benevides, Tim Hendrick, Mary Martinez, Linda Izquierdo, Janet Leach, Thanh Nguyen and Natasha Wist all deserve recognition.
There is much hard work ahead. During the three months’ construction period, the center can use donations of labor, materials and, above all, money. Give them a call. Or, for $75 a person, you and a date can have a fabulous New Year’s Eve, dressing up and enjoying dining, dancing, games, raffles, door prizes, casino – altogether a gala evening. Space is limited so call today, 779-6337 to reserve a spot.
To donate or for details: contact America Romero, director of the South County Dayworker Center at
am*****@ix.com
or 778-5513.
