On Tuesday, Dec. 1, Orange County opened the Cold Weather Armory Emergency Shelter Program, the seasonal program that provides up to 400 beds for the homeless.
The program provides shelter along with a nutritious meal, warm shower, safe place to sleep, warm clothes, a wide variety of supportive services, and a friendly and safe atmosphere.
The shelters will be located at the National Guard Armories in Fullerton and Santa Ana.
The Cold Weather Armory Emergency Shelter Program is a vital link in our community’s efforts to take care of those who lack proper shelter at night and to provide needed services to the homeless. The Cold Weather Armory Emergency Shelter Program is possible due to the help of hundreds of volunteers from County agencies, churches, and other community groups.
In addition, the following agencies provide on-site services aimed at breaking the cycle of homelessness and moving homeless individuals to self-sufficiency and independent living:
Orange County Health Care Agency, Orange County Social Services Agency, Veteran’s First, Veteran’s Administration, Serving People In Need, Mental Health Association of Orange County, Public Law Center, Orange County Rescue Mission, 2-1-1 Orange County, and many others.
Donations from other non-profit organizations, churches, and individuals add to the available resources to make this program a success.
The program is operated by Mercy House through a contract with the County of Orange, OC Community Services.
“This program is the epitome of a highly successful public/private partnership,” said Karen Roper, director of OC Community Services. “It is one more action that the county of Orange and our partners are taking to provide needed assistance to our residents.”
Armory locations
Santa Ana Armory – 612 East Warner (Warner and Main).
Fullerton Armory – 400 South Brookhurst (Brookhurst and Valencia).
Bus pick up locations
(There will be pick-up at these sites on dark nights))
Fullerton
• Pick Up #1—5 p.m.
N. La Palma Park Way and Swan, in Anaheim, inside the fenced parking lot, across from La Palma Park Stadium.
Santa Ana
• Pick Up #1—5 p.m.
Flower and Civic Center, near 6th Street, in Santa Ana.
• Pick UP #2—5:30 p.m.
Former Orange County Rescue Mission Shelter
1901 N. Walnut, in Santa Ana.
Alternate sites
The National Guard Armories are not available for use a few nights per month. On these “dark nights,” clients will be sheltered at alternate sites.
Armory wish list
Mercy House is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization.
The following is a wish list for the armory.
For Individuals and families
Hygiene supplies
Shampoo and Conditioner
Soap
Laundry Detergent
Deodorant
Purell Hand Sanitzer
Diapers (4-6)
Pull-ups
Baby Wipes
Razors and Shaving Cream
Cologne
Combs & Hair Brushes
Toothbrush & Toothpaste
Dental Floss & Mouthwash
Band Aids
Body Lotion
Feminine Hygiene Products
Clothing
T-shirts (L ,XL, XXL)
Sweatshirts (L, XL, XXL)
Socks
New Undergarments (in packaging)
Gloves
Mittens
Warm Clothing (men, women and children sizes)
Food
Snack Foods
Dry Foods
Muffins
Donuts
Cookies
Health Bars
Candy
Popcorn
Peanuts
Sack lunches and or breakfast
For more information, visit the Web site www.ochousing.org.
