County cold weather homeless shelters open

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: CONTACT: Karen Roper (714) 480-2805, cell (714) 423-8315

COUNTY COLD WEATHER HOMELESS SHELTERS OPEN

November 25, 2009

(Santa Ana, CA) – The County of Orange announces the December 1, 2009 opening of the Cold Weather Armory Emergency Shelter Program, the seasonal program that provides up to 400 beds for the homeless. The program provides shelter along with a nutritious meal, warm shower, safe place to sleep, warm clothes, a wide variety of supportive services, and a friendly and safe atmosphere. The shelters will be located at the National Guard Armories in Fullerton and Santa Ana (address information attached).

The Cold Weather Armory Emergency Shelter Program is a vital link in our community’s efforts to take care of those who lack proper shelter at night and to provide needed services to the homeless. The Cold Weather Armory Emergency Shelter Program is possible due to the help of hundreds of volunteers from County agencies, churches, and other community groups.

In addition, the following agencies provide on-site services aimed at breaking the cycle of homelessness and moving homeless individuals to self-sufficiency and independent living: Orange County Health Care Agency, Orange County Social Services Agency, Veteran’s First, Veteran’s Administration, Serving People In Need, Mental Health Association of Orange County, Public Law Center, Orange County Rescue Mission, 2-1-1 Orange County, and many others. Donations from other non-profit organizations, churches, and individuals add to the available resources to make this program a success. The program is operated by Mercy House through a contract with the County of Orange, OC Community Services.
“This program is the epitome of a highly successful public/private partnership”, stated Karen Roper, Director of OC Community Services. “It is one more action that the County of Orange and our partners are taking to provide needed assistance to our residents.”

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Attachment: 2009-2010 Program Flyer

Orange County Cold Weather Shelter Program 2009 – 2010

PROGRAM SUMMARY:

The Orange County Cold Weather Armory Emergency Shelter program provides up to 400 beds per night for the homeless at the National Guard Armories in Fullerton and Santa Ana. The homeless will receive a nutritious meal, a warm shower and a safe place to sleep. Volunteers will pass out donations of warm clothing and Service Providers from Orange County will be onsite to provide needed services.
DATES: The opening date is December 1, 2009

ARMORY LOCATIONS:

Santa Ana Armory – 612 East Warner (Warner / Main)
Fullerton Armory – 400 South Brookhurst (Brookhurst / Valencia)
BUS PICK UP LOCATIONS: (There will be pick-up at these sites on dark nights)
Fullerton: Santa Ana:
Pick Up #1 5:00PM Pick-Up #1 5:00PM
N. La Palma Park Way & Swan, Anaheim Flower & Civic Center – near
[Inside Fenced Parking Lot] 6th Street, Santa Ana
Across from La Palma Park Stadium
Pick Up #2 5:30PM
Former Orange County Rescue Mission Shelter
1901 N. Walnut, Santa Ana

DARK NIGHTS & ALTERNATE SITES:

The National Guard Armories are not available for use a few nights per month. On these “dark nights”, clients will be sheltered at alternate sites.

For more information, please contact:
Michael Escarcida at Michaele@mercyhouse.net
James Brooks at Jamesb@mercyhouse.net
or
For more information, please contact:
Michael Escarcida at Michaele@mercyhouse.net or
James Brooks at Jamesb@mercyhouse.net

ARMORY Wish List

Mercy House is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization whose mission is to be the leader in ending homelessness by providing a unique system of dignified housing alternatives, programs, and supportive services.

The Armory program provides up to 400 beds per night for the homeless in Fullerton and Santa Ana.

For Individuals & Families:

HYGIENE SUPPLIES

Shampoo & Conditioner
Soap
Laundry Detergent
Deodorant
Purell Hand Sanitzer
Diapers (4-6)
Pull-ups
Baby Wipes
Razors & Shaving Cream
Cologne
Combs & Hair Brushes
Toothbrush & Toothpaste
Dental Floss & Mouthwash
Band Aids
Body Lotion
Feminine Hygiene Products

CLOTHING

T-Shirts (L ,XL, XXL)
Sweatshirts (L, XL, XXL)
Socks
New Undergarments
(in packaging)
Gloves
Mittens
Warm Clothing (men, women &
children sizes)
FOOD
Snack Foods
Dry Foods
Muffins
Donuts
Cookies
Health Bars
Candy
Popcorn
Peanuts
Sack Lunches/Breakfast

Attachment: 2009-2010 Program Flyer

Karen Roper, Director
OC Community Services
1770 N. Broadway Santa Ana, CA 92706 (714) 480-2900 Fax (714) 480-2803
1300 S. Grand Avenue, Bldg. B Santa Ana, CA 92705 (714) 567-7420 Fax (714) 834-6870
www.ochousing.org