Fresh Start is a respite program for people of Walnut Creek and Central Contra Costa who are homeless or who are at risk of becoming homeless.
Founded in 1997, the nonprofit organization is located on the grounds of St. Paul's Episcopal Church.
Open two days a week, Tuesdays and Thursdays, Fresh Start offers clothing, food supplies medical care, counseling and other critical services to its "participants," who number about 50 a day. People can take showers at Fresh Start, check their email and seek help for a variety of housing, health care and legal issues.
Very importantly, and practically, Fresh Start supplies homeless people with tents, sleeping bags, and bottles of water for living outdoors--a reality given the fact that affordable housing is scarce in central Contra Costa and temporary housing is costly for organizations, such as Fresh Start.
The program is not affiliated with any organization and relies on the generous support of donors to continue to operate. However, it enjoys a cooperative relationship with the Walnut Creek police and the Contra Costa Sheriff's deputies, who are often on the front lines of encountering homeless people in crisis and referring them to Fresh Start services.