Anaheim, in partnership with
Illumination Foundation, celebrated completion of the La Mesa Emergency Shelter on Feb 27. This is the third homeless shelter the city has opened in the past two months.
Built in just 47 days in an industrial area of east Anaheim, this shelter will offer beds and services to 102 people living in homelessness in Anaheim. It welcomed its first residents on March 6.
The opening of La Mesa Emergency Shelter marks the culmination of Anaheim’s shelter plan, which committed the city to building 325 new shelter beds by early 2019.
"I'm proud of what we've accomplished in such a short time through smart partnerships, focus and execution," says Councilwoman Denise Barnes. "Everyone has pulled together to lend their expertise and strengths to create an efficient solution for those living in vulnerable homeless situations on our streets and for the citizens of Anaheim who deserve to feel free and safe in accessing our parks and public areas. Great Teamwork!"
A genuine hand-up opportunity
The new shelter is comprised of living areas for men, women, couples and families, as well as a lounge, kitchen and dining areas, bathrooms and showers, administrative offices and counseling rooms. There is even an outdoor space for residents and their pets to get some fresh air. Each resident will have an individual sleeping area with personal storage space. There’s also a laundry room where residents can wash and dry their clothes — a luxury not readily available for those living on the street.
Shelter operator Illumination Foundation will provide services and support for residents to help them transition out of homelessness, including career resources and job opportunities by Anaheim-based nonprofit
Chrysalis.
Realistic security and good neighbor plan
Onsite private security and an extensive security plan with Anaheim Police will ensure the shelter remains a good neighbor.
People will be referred into the shelter through our partners at City Net, Anaheim Police, Orange County Healthcare Agency and other Anaheim outreach workers.
The 200-bed Interim Emergency Shelter on State College Boulevard, which opened in December, closed last week. Many residents of the interim shelter have already relocated to the Anaheim Emergency Shelter run by The Salvation Army that opened February 1. Remaining residents will transfer to the La Mesa Emergency Shelter. Both La Mesa and the interim facility are operated by the Illumination Foundation.
The shelters have allowed Anaheim to continue efforts to help people embark on a clear pathway out of homelessness, while also addressing impacts we have seen on our parks, streets, commercial areas and other public spaces.