When Gertude “Trude” Bloomingfield Campe moved to San Francisco in 1955, one day leaving an estate worth close to $400,000 may not have been in her initial thoughts.

However, as a woman who understood the impact of social services first-hand, she worked to ensure that she would leave a legacy that benefited the same types of organizations she depended on at certain points in her life.

Last week, the Family Emergency Shelter Coalition received one of its largest donations in years courtesy of Campe. Thanks to the thoughts and planning of this retired nanny, FESCO will have more opportunities to serve its population, two-thirds of which are children.

“We’ve just come through an enormous financial crisis because of the recession and reduction in government funding,” explained Cate Steane, executive director of the Family Emergency Shelter Coalition. “We would not have survived that crisis had it not been for legacy gifts like this one.”

Based in Hayward, the Family Emergency Shelter Coalition operates a 24-bed shelter and two transitional housing facilities servicing Alameda County. In addition to required parenting classes, the organization also offers individual and group counseling to residents and a number of alumni services to support participants once they’ve gotten on their feet. 

“Everything about our program is designed to help the family overcome whatever barriers they may have to being self-sufficient,” Steane said.

Support from community members is really important for FESCO as they work to end homelessness.

“There are so many ways people can get involved,” says Steane. From working in the garden and mentoring children to helping with data entry and providing marketing assistance, volunteers are key to the organization’s mission. And even with a team of dedicated volunteers, financing is still extremely important.

“I would really encourage people to do something like what Ms. Campe did,” Steane said. “We can provide people with more information on ways they can do that and really make a lasting impact on their community with a legacy gift like that.”

Steane added that the upcoming Shelter Shuffle is another great way for community members to get involved. The event will be held at the San Leandro Marina on May 21. Individuals can register online and take advantage of information meetings and fundraising seminars.

“People can participate and reach out to their friends, family and colleagues,” Steane said, “and give them the opportunity to help end family homelessness.”