Shelter With Programs for Homeless to Open in Laguna

A temporary home for the homeless, with programs designed to help them re-establish themselves in society, is due to open in September in Laguna Beach.

The home will be in an apartment building that can house 25 single people, with special short-time emergency services for families, said Ellin Henderson, spokeswoman for the Friendship Shelter Inc., a nonprofit organization.

Although the organization has received some grants, a fund-raising party will be held at 4 p.m. Aug. 14 at the historic Moss Point oceanfront estate of Constance and Andrew Morthland.

The party, a gourmet picnic, is open to the public for donations of $75. Food, entertainment and raffle prizes will be donated by Laguna Beach businesses.

Laguna Beach City Clerk Verna L. Rollinger, corporate secretary for the Friendship Shelter, said escrow on the apartment building closed Monday, but its location is not being revealed out of courtesy to nearby full-time residents.

Single people may stay a maximum of 60 days. They will receive two meals a day and transportation to job interviews. Self-help programs will include counseling, self-esteem workshops and referral to prospective employers as well as treatment centers for alcohol and drug abuse.

Seniors and persons with physical or mental disabilities will be allowed a maximum stay of 180 days, with assistance in finding permanent homes.

Henderson said the shelter will have a staff of three, splitting eight-hour shifts around the clock, plus a team of volunteers, some of whom have professional experience in assistance work.

Anyone wishing to donate time or money to the program may get information by calling (714) 494-6928 or (714) 494-2239.