My Nonprofit Reviews

I came to MIC after calling them for 2 months! Most shelters you can just show up at intake hours but no Sonoma County likes to be elitists. I had to take a drug test even though I don't have any substance abuse issues. I would say that I am not a street person but like so many Americans these days, we can't find jobs to help us survive the high cost of living, especially in California. I was very committed to going to school. I was a full time student but I couldn't use the computer at MIC because the time was limited and there was no printer attached to help me with my homework. It took 3 1/2 hours out of my day to travel to the Santa Rosa Junior College. Because there was so much noise going on at the MIC shelter, I couldn't even study there. Yet and still, MIC, expected me to be volunteering my precious time that I really needed to relax from a very demanding and challenging school schedule. But no, you can't even relax and take a nap unless you get a note from a doctor! Many of us complained that we could never get any rest at MIC. There were a lot of "talks" by staff that were supposed to motivate and inform us, but these people were not trained in speaking and their high minded thoughts didn't connect with everyday homeless lifestyles. Many of us were disgusted by these sophomoric talks. They were not helping us. Then unlike most shelters, the homeless are not allowed to bring their suitcases to MIC. The staff here thinks they are so clever that they have come up with a clear small tote box. They are 2 feet by 14". What can you put in that? They also make it easy for people to get in them and steal what they want. If you had your own suitcase you could lock it up and protect your property. But no this would be like having the same rules that most other shelters have. MIC has to be DIFFERENT but they are not necessarily helpful! Other shelters even have a room or small storage building/shed for your suitcases and belongings. Not MIC. they have a clothing room and none of the residents are encouraged to get clothes. These are for the people sleeping outside. They come at 9 to 11 am and take showers, wash clothes and get clothes. The residents have to get out of their way. All the money that is spent on the MIC/cots salaries could be better channeled directly to us homeless. We could change our lives with that money. But don't try to be a sober sane student trying to make a better life because they will not help you. They have no program for people like this!

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