New Mission for Base

Orange County Rescue Mission President Jim Palmer gladly accepted the keys to the Tustin Marine Corps Air Station on Wednesday morning as the first organization to move onto the military base, which was officially decommissioned July 2.

“It’s really exciting,” said Palmer. “We waited 4 1/2 years and wondered and wondered when this was going to happen.”

After years of planning with the city and the Marine Corps, the mission has acquired 6.1 acres on the base and will use two military barracks to provide 192 beds for the homeless. The goal of the Village of Hope facility is to provide homeless families and individuals with assistance for up to 18 months.

Gensler Architects in Irvine and HomeAid Orange County have donated labor and materials to erect two new buildings, including one containing 40,000 square feet for a kitchen, dining areas, warehouse, offices and an 8,000-square-foot chapel.

Classrooms, vocational training areas and children’s day care will also be provided.

“It will have all resources from medical to child care to computer education,” said Palmer, who expects the facility to open in about 18 months.

Although the mission will start renovating the barracks in the next month, they will not begin new construction until the city can legally sublet the property to the mission at no cost.

Councilman Tom Saltarelli said the city is still negotiating with the federal government to transfer the base to the city’s control and that the process should be completed around June.

Saltarelli said he is pleased the mission is able to move in after its long wait and is proud the first organization to move on the base is helping the homeless.

“I think it’s a momentous occasion to actually gain a physical interest in the property here,” he said. “Their purpose is so worthwhile, and the base is able to continue to serve the public.”

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Marissa Espino can be reached at (714) 966-5879.