North San Juan Community Center

There is a handprint forever placed in the cement sidewalk in front of the former AIC building. A telltale sign of a child making their mark on a place where childhood days were spent going to school in the historic Schoolhouse, playing in the park, finding Easter eggs. Over the decades the NSJ Community Center, formerly the North Gold Senior Mountaineers, has adapted to the many growing needs of the community. Presently, the need is for a refuge to go to during power outages, a winter warming shelter, distance learning and for a safe gathering place to connect with neighbors in person in a healthy and safe environment. Unfortunately, all of that and more is currently threatened. 

In summer of August 2020 our well went completely dry. Fortunately, we were able to arrange a short-term solution. Our permit for the temporary holding tanks expires Nov 30th of this year and we are counting on the county to issue an extension while we raise funds. Regardless, we have to drill a new well to remain open and of service. We need urgent support to help drill a new well and to cover essential costs to keep our doors open. This is challenging to ask of our extended community because we know how tough it is right now financially (and emotionally) for everyone. 

The services we offer are many-fold. We have a 10-year contract with PG&E as a Community Resource Center for selected Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) events. People can come to the center for information, bathrooms, water, charge phones, cool off, etc. Another vital service we offer is a winter warming shelter. When temps are 37* and below we provide a free hot meal and warm place to sleep. We are a no-barrier, grass root, volunteer run shelter that is NOT county funded. Last year alone we were open 28 nights, served over 780 meals and sheltered about 200 people overnight. In a town that is categorically listed as a disadvantaged community, with very limited resources for assistance, this is an incredibly important and vital service. 

The Center offers numerous community services including an American Red Cross Evac center, regularly provides food and supplies for people in need, hosts space for distance learning and is a long standing voting center. NSJCC hosts a weekly farmers market and gathering- serving affordable dinners and provides an open sourced community garden. This facility is utilized by the greater community for private events from weddings, end of life celebrations and more and has a fully stocked commercial kitchen.

The NSJCC is a volunteer run, non-profit. All funds raised through hall rentals (severely impacted from COVID), memberships and fundraising events support costs of operations, improvements and supplies.

In addition to running this campaign, we have a request for funding assistance from the State Water Board to help with the costs to drill a new well. However, we will need additional support from the community at large to help subsidize the cost and address a variety of ongoing maintenance needs. 

Thank you to those who continually donate to support this incredible resource and to all the new supporters that understand the value and services we provide by keeping our doors open.


In Community
NSJ Community Center Board of Directors
PO Box 324
North San Juan, CA 95960

The NSJ Community Center is located in downtown North San Juan and its Mission is to provide programs, services, and events that support a healthy, thriving community.

My name is Ana and I am the president of the NSJ Community Center Board of Directors. The Community Center is a labor of love for many in the community. We have many volunteers that put their sweat and tears into keeping the doors open, lights on, and to make sure that the Community Center is a place where people can come together.  The Community Center relies on the support of our members and donors. 

On Thursday or Friday night (12/21 or 12/22) someone broke into the main hall and vandalized the facility. Food from the pantry was thrown throughout the kitchen and main hall including down the sinks. Approximately 1000 eggs were thrown on walls, ceiling, and windows. The flat screen tv was thrown outside and broken. The office was broken into with all the keys taken. 

We have had a great outpouring of support with some 40 community members coming together on Saturday, during the holiday season, to clean the hall so that it could be rented the next day.  Many, many, thanks to those that rolled up their sleeves and spent their day cleaning. 

Many others have asked to contribute the help replace the food or buy security cameras.  I decide to start this page to help with collection of funding to replace items lost during the vandalism and to make it more secure for the future.  The funds will be used for the following items:
-- Replacement of food from the pantry 
-- Security system 
-- Flat screen tv 
-- Replacement of locks for the entire facility 
-- Reward for the identification of those responsible for the vandalization. 

You can also come by the Community Center for Tuesday lunch to make a donation and pick up a membership form.  

Thank you for your support and Happy Holidays!