Santa Ana, Calif. (March 1, 2018) —Orange County will be extending the availability of 400 emergency shelter beds for the homeless.

On Tuesday, the Orange County Board of Supervisors approved funding to keep the Mercy House Living Centers, Inc. Armory Emergency Shelters open through April 15, 2018.

Traditionally, the Armory shelters are available in the winter months. The County opened the Armories early in October 2017.

The increased funding will allow for:

• additional transportation to allow for additional pick-up locations and bus passes, more housing navigator staff,
• an estimate for the need of portable restrooms to address potential sewer capacity,
• and, if needed, 24 hour operations during inclement weather.

Each armory provides roughly 200 beds per night where the residents can receive a meal, warm shower, and a safe place to reside for the night.

“With these services and amenities made available for an extended amount of time, this is an additional opportunity and resource for people to receive help they need,” said Andrew Do, Chairman of the Orange County Board of Supervisors. “We are expanding the safety net for homeless individuals seeking assistance in Orange County.”

The Board approved $315,000 of the County’s general fund and $8,515 of Emergency Solutions Grant Rapid Rehousing Funds for a total of $323,515 to prolong and boost services at the Armory Shelters.

The 2017 Point in Time (PIT) count determined there were 2,208 sheltered homeless individuals and 2,584 unsheltered homeless individuals in Orange County. With the extension of operating armories, the goal is to decrease the number of unsheltered homeless individuals and transition these individuals to permanent supportive housing.

“The armories provide warm and safe shelter for our homeless population while the County continues to take strides towards long-term solutions for homelessness,” said Chairman Do.

In addition to clearing the Santa Ana Riverbed homeless encampment, Orange County has taken major steps as part of its comprehensive homeless response:

• Set aside $10 million for emergency homeless services
• Opened an emergency homeless shelter in Santa Ana
• Hired a homeless czar to cut through bureaucratic red tape
• Built a homeless shelter and service center in Anaheim
• Launched a $33 million Whole Person Care pilot program
• Approved $20 million for permanent supportive housing programs
• Linked 732 individuals to motel-housing, shelter beds and treatment facilities since February 14, 2018
• Purchased property for $26 million mental health facility

The Fullerton Armory is located at 400 S. Brookhurst (Near Brookhurst/Valencia). Doors open at this location at 7:00 p.m.

The Santa Ana Armory is located at 612 E. Warner (Near Warner/Main). Doors open at this location at 7:00 p.m.

BUS PICK-UP LOCATIONS:

Fullerton:

Pick up at 6:00 p.m. at the 200 block of E. Santa Fe South, side of street between S. Pomona Ave & N. Lemon Street

Santa Ana:

Pick up #1 at 6:00pm at Flower & Civic Center near 6th Street Santa Ana
Pick up #2 at 6:15pm at 1901 W Walnut, Santa Ana

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

• No weapons, drugs, or alcohol will be permitted in or around the shelter
• Clients are required to have their photos taken upon intake
• Services include a warm meal, a sleeping mat and blanket, and the opportunity to shower
• All clients must exit the shelter at 6:00 a.m. each morning