Shelter for Women, Children Dedicated

The San Fernando Valley’s first daytime shelter for homeless women and children was dedicated in Van Nuys Tuesday by Mayor Tom Bradley, although it will not be open for at least another month.

The center, which will be operated by the San Fernando Valley Friends of Homeless Women and Children and the First Methodist Church of Van Nuys, will give women and children a place to shower, rest and get help in finding housing and employment. It will be able to accommodate about 12 women and children, and center officials said they hope it will open in mid-January.

It is on the grounds of First Methodist Church, which donated the building, and Mr. Build Co. is providing free labor for renovations.

The Rev. Glen Haworth said the center needs kitchen appliances, furniture, clothing and a washer and dryer before it can open. Also, officials said, funds still need to be raised for liability insurance.

Bradley told about 50 people gathered at the site that the center will serve as a model for church-private sector partnerships in serving the homeless.

Sheila Gam, president and founder of Friends of Homeless Women and Children, said the organization wanted to dedicate the center during the holiday season because “this is the time to remind people that we are grateful the community and church has joined together.”