Temporary Shelter Holds Opening Today

A Santa Clarita shelter for the homeless, long delayed when sponsors were unable to find a permanent site, will open a temporary facility with a ceremony today.

Santa Clarita Mayor Laurene Weste will join members of the nonprofit Santa Clarita Community Development Corp., which operates the shelter, for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10 a.m. at the site, at 20850 Redview Road.

Operations will begin at 6 tonight, with the shelter to be open nightly from 6 p.m. to 8 a.m. through April 30, said Stephen K. Peeples, spokesman for the operators.

The City Council in a special session on Dec. 22 authorized use of a city-owned site adjacent to the Santa Clarita sports complex and allocated $25,000 toward operating the shelter in six portable modular trailers. The remainder of the annual $90,000 operating cost is being provided by donations, grants, volunteer services and fund-raising programs, said Timothy A. Davis, corporation president.

The modular trailers provide separate dormitories for as many as 20 men and 10 women, plus a dining trailer, administration space and shower and restroom facilities. The area is fenced off from the adjoining sports complex on Golden Valley Road. Efforts to find a permanent site are continuing.