Harvard Shelter

  • Community
  • Mental Wellness

Who We Are

Mission: To prevent and end homelessness in the Santa Clara River Valley.

Harvard Shelter, operated by SPIRIT of Santa Paula, is a year-round homeless shelter located in Santa Paula, California. It serves families and individuals experiencing homelessness in the Santa Clara River Valley of Ventura County, including residents from Santa Paula, Fillmore, and Piru. The shelter provides a safe haven, offering essential services to help guests regain stability and work toward permanent housing solutions.

What We Do

Harvard Shelter offers a comprehensive range of services to support individuals and families experiencing homelessness:

  • Emergency Shelter: Provides a safe place to sleep, three meals per day, and access to showers for up to 49 guests.

  • Case Management: Assists guests in developing personalized plans to achieve permanent housing, including support with employment, education, and financial literacy.

  • Food Rescue Program: Collects and distributes approximately 1 million pounds of food annually to the community, ensuring that shelter guests receive nutritious meals.

  • Children’s Activities: Organizes tailored activities and trust groups for children residing at the shelter, including crafts, tutoring, and inspiring conversations, to support their development and well-being.