I was a stranger and you welcomed me.”
Caring Residents of Carlsbad was incorporated on May 29, 1990 for the specific purpose to provide emergency, temporary and transition housing and related social services for those in need of such housing and services primarily in the Carlsbad, California vicinity, including but not limited to recent immigrants, agricultural workers, migrant workers and others who are without the economic means to procure adequate housing.
In 2014, the organization changed its name to Friends of La Posada, Incorporated with a broader focus to educate the public as to the need for housing and services and to promote intercultural understanding. Friends of La Posada is registered with the IRS as a 501 (c) (3) non-profit corporation.
1989-90: Monsignor Raymond Moore invites Kathy Wellman and others to address day laborers’ housing shortage in Carlsbad. The emphasis becomes how to best help homeless men and includes members of local churches and civic groups. Negative reaction to laborers’ presence by some residents and activists protesting against perceived racism heightens the need to address the issue.
1990-92: Presentation to City of Carlsbad, City is supportive if service provider, financing and land is obtained. Kathy Wellman contacts Catholic Charities to be service provider and Sister RayMonda DuVall agrees to work with Caring Residents on the grant for financing.
With the help of Ed Scarpelli of the Carlsbad Rotary Club, Bobby and Betty Astleford agree to a $1 per year lease for the land, later selling it to Catholic Charities at a low cost and the couple becomes a major shelter supporter. With a grant of $391,000 written by Kathy Wellman and Leone Stein, the portable units are purchased by Catholic Charities, and the city of Carlsbad donates another portable unit for office space. Additional early supporters include Lois and Bud Green, Laura Scarpelli, Ursula and Jim Sweeney, Margie and Mario Monroy, and Marilyn and Bob Van Wassenhove. The Rotary Club donates time, labor, and supplies to complete building and site needs.
Nov 2, 1992: The shelter is opened with dinner for the first 14 residents. Community supporters, Dr. Robert Moser of Catholic Charities and Eddie Preciado, first Director of La Posada are present. The residents are emotional and grateful for the comforts of their new home.
2007-2012: The permanent buildings become a reality with a 2007 Agricultural Mitigation Grant, and subsequent funding from the State, local businesses, churches, private donors, and foundations. 2011 city approval of engineering plans and 2012 groundbreaking with Bishop Brom. Housing capacity will expand from 50 to 100 beds upon completion of new facility.
2013: Construction completed on permanent buildings, blessing and official opening with Bishop Flores.
Other early supporters for the permanent building project include former Board members and donors: Socorro Anderson, Kate Bartels, Cathy Blecki, Stephanie Cannon, Judy de Gruy, Coleen Lassegard, Mike O’Gara, Diana Maddox and Michael Dalsin.