Turning Point Shelter to Receive Funds for Expansion

A local center that helps the homeless and mentally ill, which has doubled the number of clients it serves during the past four years, is poised to receive state funding to further expand its services.

Turning Point Foundation, located at 536 E. Thompson Blvd., provides vocational training, counseling, and shelter to homeless and mentally ill clients.

On Monday night, the Ventura City Council approved an agreement that will allow Turning Point Foundation to receive a $250,000 federal housing loan, through the state Department of Housing and Community Development, to rehabilitate its 10-bed facility on Thompson. The rehabilitation will provide nine additional residential units for low-income clients, and a resident manager’s unit.

The city gave $281,000 to the foundation in 1993 to help it acquire the building.

Begun in 1986 as a local branch of San Francisco-based Progress Foundation, Turning Point broke off in 1990 and became an independent nonprofit organization.

Over time, Turning Point has increased the range of services it provides, as well as the number of clients it serves. Four years ago, it served 750 clients a year. Today, Turning Point serves nearly 1,500, said Clyde Reynolds, the center’s executive director. The two-story center, housed in a row of storefronts, has a cozy atmosphere--complete with armchairs, used books and a pool table. It provides a brief place to rest for some, and is a temporary home to others.

During the day, the office provides counseling, vocational advice and training. Homeless people can also come to the center for a shower and food. At night, the building serves as a homeless shelter.

Turning Point’s administrative offices and day treatment program are scheduled to move to a facility on 1065 E. Main St. by the end of the month. The other services will remain in their present location.