FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 1, 1999
Contact: Diane Thomas
714.834.6203
Emergency Shelters
Open Today at Santa Ana and Fullerton Armories
(Santa Ana) –
The doors of the Santa Ana and Fullerton National Guard
Armories open today to provide emergency shelter, along
with enhanced services to help end the cycle of homelessness.
Both armories are tentatively scheduled to remain open
seven days a week through March 31.
The 1999/2000 Emergency Shelter Armory Program will offer
hot meals, showers, a safe place to sleep, shelter from
the winter, clothing and blankets to approximately 250
homeless individuals and families each night.
"Traditionally known for providing only food and
shelter for the homeless, the County’s goal is to
enhance supportive services to address the issues causing
homelessness. In a collaborative effort, several agencies
will provide much-needed services to the homeless who
will stay at the armories," said Karen Roper, County
Coordinator for Homeless Prevention Programs. "This
program is a perfect example of a public/private partnership."
According to a recent County survey, there are more than
14,000 homeless people on any given night in Orange County.
"Opening the doors of these armories is great news
for the homeless as well as for other emergency shelter
providers who must turn away people nightly because their
shelters are full," said Roper.
Agencies involved in the Armory Program include: the County’s
Executive Office, Housing & Community Development,
Sheriff-Coroner Department, Health Care Agency, Shelter
for the Homeless, Mental Health Association of Orange
County, Orange County Rescue Mission, Shelter & Hunger
Partnership, and Info Link Orange County. Additionally,
many other non-profit organizations, churches and individuals
from across Orange County have donated resources and time
to this community effort.
For more information, contact Karen Roper at (714) 834-3355
or visit the County’s volunteer website at http://www.ocgov.com/
(click on Volunteers).
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