SAN DIEGO COUNTY PERSPECTIVE : Not Exactly Singing in the Rain

The city of Escondido took the lead in San Diego County last year when it decided to keep its National Guard Armory open to the homeless nearly continuously from Dec. 16 through March 3. The county-sponsored shelters in Vista and El Cajon open only when the temperature dips below 35 degrees, or 40 degrees when rain is predicted. And San Diego’s emergency shelter in Balboa Park opens when temperatures drop below 40 degrees, or 50 for rain.

The advantages of a full-time shelter are significant:

The homeless are more likely to use it because they know it’s open. More important, continuous operation allows time for social-service workers to help the homeless obtain jobs, housing and services that could keep them off the streets. A predictable schedule also makes it easier to recruit shelter volunteers.

More than 450 people found refuge at the armory, and permanent housing was located for four families, plus some people who are elderly or ill. It’s an endeavor Escondido can be proud of.

But the shelter’s scheduled closing this morning comes at an unfortunate time, amid a series of heavy rainstorms.

Unlike the past five drought years, this year the winter is rainy. And traditionally, March is one of Southern California’s wettest months.

If that pattern repeats itself this year, it will be fortunate for San Diego County’s reservoirs and aquifers--but not for the homeless.

The rain, along with the economic problems that are increasing homelessness, calls for extra compassion.

The recession is beyond Escondido’s control. But the city could continue to be a leader in providing emergency shelter if the council agrees today to open the armory, for three days at a time, whenever temperatures dip below 40 degrees or 50 degrees when rain is predicted--a more humane threshold than the one used by the county. At $170 a day to house an average of 54 people, it’s a true bargain.

The weather is expected to be dry today when the Escondido City Council considers the issue. But council members should keep Thursday’s rain forecast in mind when they vote.