L.A. Homeless Shelters to Be Open Regardless of Weather

The 10 homeless shelters under contract with the city will be open every night until mid-February regardless of the weather, officials announced Monday.

The homeless shelters usually open when temperatures drop below 40 degrees, or below 50 degrees when coupled with a 50% chance of rain. That policy has drawn criticism from homeless advocates.

Mayor Tom Bradley and other officials announced the temporary change in policy in front of the National Guard Armory in Van Nuys, one of the program’s shelters, which have a total capacity of 1,500 beds.

A similar approach was taken for 60 days last year. The plan was renewed this year after Gov. Pete Wilson agreed to make the National Guard armories in Van Nuys and West Los Angeles available for the city program, said Patricia Huff, the city’s coordinator for the homeless.

The other city shelters are the New Image Emergency Shelter, 1915 E. 7th St. in downtown Los Angeles; Fame Assistance Corp., 2249 S. Harvard Blvd. in Koreatown; Tiny Town College One-Step Shelter, 3845 S. Vermont Ave. in South-Central Los Angeles; Weingart Center Assn., 566 S. San Pedro St. in downtown Los Angeles; Mary Lind Foundation, 3350 Drew St. near Atwater Village; Rakestraw Memorial Center, 5139 S. Main St. in South-Central Los Angeles; Hollywood United Methodist Church, 6817 Franklin St. in Hollywood, and Harbor View House, 921 S. Beacon St. in San Pedro.