Anaheim Shuts Down Shelter for Children

A shelter for abused children and their mothers lost its right to operate after the Anaheim City Council on Tuesday refused to renew its permit.

After hearing testimony from supporters of the Eli Home and neighbors who oppose it, council members voted 3 to 2 not to extend its conditional-use permit.

The shelter opened in April 1997 with a one-year operating permit.

Mayor Tom Daly said that granting the permit was a “land-use mistake that needs to be corrected.”

In the minority were Councilmen Tom Tait and Bob Zemel, both of whom supported giving the shelter another one-year permit.

Zemel said he was ashamed and embarrassed that the council was closing down the shelter.

During public testimony Tuesday, homeowners said Eli Home has violated conditions of its permit and as a result, robbed residents of their quality of life.

Some homeowners were elated by the council’s decision.

“I’m thrilled,” resident Jeannie Averill said. “But they’re not going to go away peacefully.”

Michael Galloway, Eli Home president, confirmed that the shelter will not close without a fight. Galloway said the group is working with Department of Housing and Urban Development officials to weigh their options.

The city’s Planning Commission in March approved a two-year renewal of the home’s operating permit over numerous objections from neighbors in the upscale canyon area, primarily complaints over parking problems.

Eli Home has garnered support from others in the community, including Anaheim firefighters, who helped to renovate the house and transform it into a seven-bedroom home for as many as 22 women and children.

Richard Chavez, president of the Anaheim Firefighters’ Assn., urged the council that there is a need in the community for the shelter: “The bottom line is the Eli Home saves lives.”