Temporary Shelter for Homeless OKd

In response to widespread pledges of support from the community, the Santa Clarita City Council on Friday authorized a temporary shelter for the homeless on a city-owned site after attempts to find a permanent location failed.

In a special session, the council allocated $25,000 to operate the shelter in five modular buildings to be set up in a parking lot at the city’s sports complex at 26407 Golden Valley Road.

The facility, which will provide beds for up to 30 men and 15 women, will open Jan. 2 and operate nightly through May 1, said Tim Davis, president of the Santa Clarita Community Development Corp., the shelter’s operator. The temporary buildings also will house a dining area and administrative office.

The shelter had operated in a building at the same site the last three winters but was forced to seek a new location this year because the building is being converted by the city into a community center. The council’s action allows the modular buildings to be set up in a nearby fenced lot.

Operators earlier this month were denied permission to establish a permanent shelter at a Canyon Country shopping center on Sierra Highway after merchants complained the homeless center would detract from their businesses. Council members, however, said they sympathized with the needs of the homeless and ordered city staff members to find an immediate temporary solution. Further studies have been ordered to find a permanent site.

“The outpouring of support from the community has been just overwhelming,” said Ken Pulskamp, assistant city manager.

Operators said residents and businesses have pledged thousands of dollars in donations and services to the center.