The We Care program for homeless men in Turlock has opened its new commercial kitchen that’s been three years in the making.

The 1,638-square foot commercial kitchen and dining room, which is located at 613 S. Broadway and sits next door to the 49-bed overnight shelter, can accommodate about 50 guests at a time. Behind the kitchen is a covered concrete patio — with heaters, fans, and picnic tables — where guests can congregate.

Director of Operations Corey Mai is inviting the community to attend an open house on Nov. 22, where they’ll honor Maris Sturtevant, the former executive director of We Care who recently retired. The function will be from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., and visitors will be allowed to tour the shelter and new kitchen, meet the staff, and enjoy hors d’oeuvres.

“I think that our community needs to see what we do,” said Mai. “A lot of people have no idea what is happening in here. And I think that will help them be more supportive because they’ll see what we’re doing.

Mai said that a number of college students have recently begun volunteering at the shelter.

“They were like, ‘I didn’t even know this existed,’” said Mai. “And they come and they have such an amazing experience. I just think it would be good to show the rest of the community.”

In addition to the new kitchen/dining room, Mai touted the Rapid Rehousing Program.

“It’s to help people move out of homelessness,” said Mai. “And we just recently housed two gentlemen from our shelter. They both had maintained a full-time job and they had to qualify for the lease on their own.”

Through grant funding, We Care pays the initial deposit, rent and utility set-up costs.

“Then each month we decrease the amount we pay,” said Mai.

Additionally, We Care just received another four-plex — each unit is two bedrooms, one bath — on Lambert Street from the City of Turlock to be rented as low-income housing. That’s in addition to another four-plex on Lambert already being used for low-income housing, as well as two low-income dwellings on Park Street.

Mai said that We Care is need of twin-sized blankets, sheets and comforters, as well as winter clothing, such as jackets, sweatshirts, gloves, and beanies.

“It got cold in a hurry,” she said.

To make a donation visit the We Care office, 221 S. Broadway, or call Mai at 209-620-1032.