Homeless shelter at ACT V parking lot approved

A haven for the homeless is planned to open by November in Laguna Canyon, offering shelter from winter’s chilly temperatures and rain — away from the city’s parks and beaches.

The City Council unanimously approved Tuesday a temporary nighttime shelter accommodating about 50 people at the ACT V parking lot, to be operated by the city in collaboration with three organizations experienced in working with the homeless. Enforcement of state laws banning camping or lodging on public property is expected to begin as soon as the shelter is open, with preparation of a city ordinance prohibiting camping in areas not designated for such use to follow.

“This is not a long-term solution, but it will end camping in the park,” said the Rev. Colin Henderson, founder and chairman of Friendship Shelter, which will collaborate in the operation of ACT V with the Laguna Relief and Resource Center and Mercy House, which operates seasonal shelters in several Southern California armories.

“We know there will be opposition,” Henderson said. “We know it will be expensive. But something needs to be done.”

The cost of the operation for the first eight months is estimated at $165,000, including $500 a month to the Relief and Resource Center to be open eight hours on weekdays where the homeless can shower, an amenity not proposed for ACT V. Set-up cost is estimated at $70,000.

Mayor Kelly Boyd and Councilwoman Toni Iseman sponsored the proposals presented to the council by Assistant City Manager John Pietig — all three non-voting members of the Advisory Committee on Homelessness.

“The most important piece is to have the help of the homeless advocates to get feeding at ACT V and out of the park,” Iseman said. “We can’t tell people they can’t feed the homeless, but the biggest thing the public can do is stop feeding the homeless in the park.

“Please help us.”

Pietig said the basic premise of the proposals was to address the welfare and safety of the populace, the use of parks and beaches as intended and reasonable programs to assist the homeless.

The recommendation to establish the shelter at ACT V was in response to substantial opposition to a previously recommended location in the city employees parking lot across Laguna Canyon Road from the Festival of Arts and Laguna Playhouse.