Bernal Scream

San Jose, CA — Bernal Scream, San Jose's premier haunted attraction, is thrilled to announce a new partnership with HomeFirst, a Santa Clara County-based nonprofit dedicated to ending homelessness in the Bay Area. This collaboration marks the launch of "Scream Proud," Bernal Scream's new philanthropic initiative focused on giving back to the community through meaningful partnerships with local organizations.

 

The haunted attraction, located at Almaden Plaza (5353 Almaden Expressway, San Jose, CA 95118), will serve as the site of this partnership. It will open its doors on September 20th and run through November 3rd .

 

This year’s “Scream Proud” initiative includes two components:

1. Clothing Drive: Bernal Scream will collect new and gently used clothing donations at the haunted attraction. The collected items, which will be donated to HomeFirst, will be given to individuals seeking refuge at the organization’s shelters and interim housing sites. Clothing will also be distributed by HomeFirst’s Outreach Team to unhoused individuals living in encampments.

2. Community Kit Builds: On October 25th and 26th from 8am to 10pm, Bernal Scream and HomeFirst will host community kit builds at the haunted attraction. Attendees will have the opportunity to assemble hygiene kits containing essential items for those in need – a simple yet impactful act of kindness that takes just 30 seconds! Community members can also support the initiative by purchasing supplies (including toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, and conditioner) for the kits here: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1MUKR74TOMOGM?ref_=wl_share.

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With nearly 10,000 individuals experiencing homelessness in Santa Clara County, Bernal Scream is proud to partner with HomeFirst to inspire community action and support the region’s unhoused residents.

 

“HomeFirst is thrilled to be working with Bernal Scream to transform the excitement of Halloween into a force for good,” said Annette Pizzo, HomeFirst’s Director of Community Engagement. “Community partnerships like this one are vital to our mission, and we are excited to embark on this journey together.

 

About Bernal Scream: Bernal Scream is a haunted attraction that was founded by father and son duo, Mike and Abel Barrera, in 2013. It began as a small backyard attraction and is now a commercial operation that serves thousands of people each year.

 

About HomeFirst: HomeFirst is a nonprofit organization passionately working to end homelessness. We serve the Bay Area community through low-barrier programming (prevention, outreach, shelters, and interim and permanent housing programs) and systems leadership – meeting each person where they are, by offering support and resources that address immediate and long-term housing needs.