We are often asked:
Where are you located?
Our new home is 748 Mercy St., Mountain View, CA 94041 (cross street is Hope -- how about that?). The phone number remains 650-903-4102. Our job center and business office are located at the Trinity United Methodist Church facility.
How long have you been around?
We have been serving the community since 1996.
News
City’s $75K for dayworker center OK
April 2008
Reprinted with permission from the Los Altos Town Crier
Last week, the Los Altos City Council approved a $75,000 allocation for the non-profit Day Worker Center of Mountain View, a sizable contribution, but an appropriate one.
A few weeks ago, we noted the center deserves this community’s support because residents have employed dayworkers for years. We see the council’s approval of funds toward a new, permanent location as validating this community’s responsibility.
The donation also validates Los Altos Hills’ earlier commitment of $25,000. The town council made the donation contingent on both Los Altos and Mountain View making contributions proportional to their sizes. We’re still awaiting a specific dollar commitment from Mountain View, but are encouraged to hear that city officials are at least seriously considering a donation of city-owned land next door to the proposed new location of the center on Escuela Avenue. The land is needed to meet parking requirements for the site.
Equally encouraging – and touching – to learn of were the massive individual contributions offered by committed Los Altos residents. One resident involved with the center pledged $100,000, another $50,000. These are remarkable offers in the face of a sluggish, cash-strapped economy. After years of struggle, things are indeed looking bright for the future of the dayworker center.
Once in place and operating with a broader-based program for the workers and their families, we expect to see fewer and fewer workers hanging out on El Camino Real – one of the principal objectives of the permanent new location.
Day Worker Center makes its case
April 2008
Letters to the Editor - Reprinted with permission from the Los Altos Town Crier
"I must admit that when I went to Saturday’s meeting regarding the proposed new home for the Day Worker Center of Mountain View, I had a bit of a faint heart – an open mind to be sure, but some serious concerns nonetheless. However, an hour later, my mind and heart had been more than adequately assuaged.
If I had one piece of criticism, it would be that the center has not yet done a good enough job of educating the public about its organization. It has a good product and performs many services beyond what one might know or even expect. It is my hope that it will be able to work out some of the kinks and find a permanent home in the city.
I have confidence the center will make a good neighbor." Honor Spitz, Mountain View
Help Day Worker Center find a home
March 2008
Reprinted with permission from the Palo Alto Daily News
Los Altos Hills is making a farsighted effort to help a day labor center find a permanent home, and we hope neighboring cities will follow its example. Despite its name, the Day Worker Center of Mountain View fills a need that extends beyond that city's borders. That is why it is important for other cities to help the center close a $300,000 deal for a building on Escuela Avenue near the railroad tracks in Mountain View.
The center was inspired by a desire to get day workers off the street, where they often go in search of temporary jobs. It was an important step that helped workers and employers negotiate jobs without creating traffic jams and hazards.
The center, temporarily housed at Trinity United Methodist Church after being evicted from its last digs, offers a central place for these transactions rather than Home Depot parking lots and busy thoroughfares.
About $175,000 has been raised privately and the Los Altos Hills City Council agreed to kick in up to $25,000 if its counterparts in Mountain View and Los Altos contribute money. Santa Clara County could also get into the act, with Supervisor Liz Kniss pledging to raise the issue during county budget deliberations next month. Palo Alto should step up to the plate as well.
Many employers who come to the center are from Palo Alto, said Maria Marroquin, the center's executive director. Yet the organization currently receives no funding from that city. It seems unfair to place the burden for this service on other cities in the region when Palo Alto clearly benefits as well.
Some will again try to cloud the issue by arguing the center benefits illegal aliens. But that is a separate issue, a federal one to be specific. It would be unfair to penalize local day laborers and employers because the federal government cannot control the border. The argument also neglects the simple fact that the workers and employers are going to find each other anyway and providing them a place to do so makes it easier and safer for both groups and for the community.
This should not be a political issue or a factor in the national immigration debate. The center serves a valuable need in our area, which is why it is time for the county and the aforementioned cities to step forward and help it land a permanent home
DWC finds permanent home. Generous donors should allow purchase but much more funding needed for critical renovations.
March 2008
The Center is "in-contract" to PURCHASE a permanent home. A group of persistent and generous donors have miraculously raised the $300,000 needed to purchase the property at 113 Escuela, but an equal amount (or more) will still be needed for critical renovations before the new Center is habitable. The cities of Los Altos Hills, Los Altos, and Mountain View have pledged or are considering pledges to support the renovation too. In addition to funds, the Center will also need approval of a Conditional Use Permit from the City of Mountain View before the new home can become a reality.
Can you help? To contribute to the fundraising campaign, contact Maria at the Center (650-903-4102).
DWC Receives Los Altos Community Service Award
Dec 7, 2007
The DWC received a Joint Community Service Award from the cities of Los Altos and Los Altos Hills on Dec. 7th at a luncheon attended by several hundred people. The award went to the volunteers, staff, and workers at the DWC for their contribution to volunteerism. The lunch was attended by over 20 representatives of the DWC as well as other honorees and dignitaries. Patricia Marquee, DWC Volunteer Coordinator and Board member accepted the award on behalf of the Center.
Open House Nov 30th
Nov 21, 2007
As a gesture of thanks to the residents of Mountain View, the Day Worker Center will be hosting an open house on Friday November 30th from 4:30pm to 6:30pm. The open house will include hor d’oeuvres, a short presentation on what the center is all about, and a chance for residents to speak to many of the workers, Maria Marroquin (the Executive Director), and members of the Board.
DWC Receives Temporary Use Permit
Nov 16, 2007
On Thursday November 15, 2007 the Day Worker Center of Mountain View received a use permit from the City of Mountain View. The use permit will allow the center to continue operating out of the Trinity United Methodist Church located on the corner of Hope and Mercy. The permit will be good for one year, at which time the DWC will reapply and the city may grant a longer permit if the first year goes smoothly in its new location.
Workers Assist at Sr. Garden
Oct 28, 2007
For its first community project, 7 workers from the DWC volunteered their Sunday to help out with heavy yard work in the Senior Center Garden on Escuela in Mountain View. The concept of a community project came from the workers and their desire to give something back to the community that has helped them. This project came about after the Mountain View Voice ran an article soliciting project ideas from the community. The DWC is currently seeking more ideas for future community projects. Please email your ideas to info@dayworkercentermv.org.
Blood Drive Exceeds Expectations
September 24, 2007
Day Workers were waiting for the Stanford Bloodmobile when it arrived at the new DWC on September 24th. Approximately 30 workers donated blood to help the community. The bloodmobile was not expecting such a great turnout from the DWC and had to pull in extra help to serve all the enthusiastic donors.
Center Moves To New Home!
August 31, 2007
The Center moved into it's expansive new facility at the Trinity United Methodist Church in downtown Mountain View (corner of Mercy and Hope streets). The facility is about twice as large as our old one, offers more flexible hours, all of which will allow us to continue to expand our program offerings. Trinity United has been especially welcoming to the Center and sees the relationship as furthering its mission. Thank you Trinity United Methodist!
Press Conference Gathers Support from Supervisor Kniss and Assemblywoman Lieber
August 14, 2007
A press conference was held to announce our new home at Trinity United Methodist Church (TUMC) in Mountain View. County Supervisor Liz Kniss attended the event and expressed her continued support for the center in her remarks to the crowd of supporters, TUMC church members, TUMC Pastor Janette Saavedra, day workers, DWC board members, and neighbors. Assemblywoman Sally Lieber prepared a statement of support for the event but was unable to attend personally.
Day Workers Provide Food Services for Los Altos 4th of July Community Picnic
July 4, 2007
Workers from the Center were invited to run the food concession for Los Altos's annual 4th of July picnic. The event was a big success and the workers divided up the profits for their hard day's work. The Center was flattered and encouraged by the invitation and see it as further validation of a special new relationship with Los Altos.MV City Council Hosts Study Session to Help Center Find New Home
May 22, 2007
The Mountain View City Council convened a 1-hour study session to better understand the Center and its urgent need for assistance to find a new home. Center board members and workers addressed the council and answered questions during a productive session.
Press Conference Alerts Community that Center Must Move Soon
May 18, 2007
Center held a press conference to inform the public of its need for a new facility. Assemblywoman Sally Lieber and County Supervisor Liz Kniss attend and show their support for finding the Center a new home. Mountain View Voice publishes a lengthy article and editorial in support of the Center.
City of Mountain View Grants DWC $10,000
May 9, 2007
Center received a $10,000 grant from the City of Mountain View to fund an outreach program to workers on the street. The project is a joint effort between the Center and the Mountain View Police Department. This is the first grant awarded to the Center by the City of Mountain View and is a great sign of support by the city.
