The Silver City Rotary Auction and Benefit Gala in Partnership with First American Bank on October 7th will have as one of its beneficiaries the Silver City Gospel Mission's Sierra House program.

Sierra House is the name of the building next to the Gospel Mission (see attached picture), which was purchased at a generously discounted price from Arthur L. Sierra. The building is being used as a transitional shelter for women and children who seek to integrate back into the community after a period of homelessness or release from a rehabilitation program. In some cases, the Sierra House program serves women who have gone through Drug Court and who need residential housing in order to meet the Court's requirement for their release.

Sierra House gives women and sometimes their children a transitionary home for a period of time in an effort to provide them with a stable environment, allow them to apply for jobs, and become productive members of the community. The program is designed to normally accommodate clients for a period of 90 to 120 days, during which time permanent housing will be found for them, and they will have opportunities to establish themselves in the community.

The Sierra House program insures that, during their stay, clients not only have food and housing but also receive help in the form of work skills programs and personal counseling.

At present Sierra House has room for nine women, but if any of them come with children, that number is reduced. Admission to the program is on a first-come first served basis. The program does not maintain a waiting list.

The proceeds from the Auction are to be used for helping women in Sierra House with ongoing expenses related to their search for employment and permanent housing.

The Auction & Benefit Gala is supported by Freeport McMoRan, Holland America Line, WNM Communications, and the Silver City Daily Press as lead sponsors and Gila Regional Medical Center, W & N Enterprises, and J & J Signs as additional major sponsors.

Further information about the Auction and Benefit Gala can be found on the Rotary Club website at www.silvercityrotary.org or by calling the Rotary Club at 575-534-1135 or 575-313-2200.