Pacoima Center Opens to Shelter the Homeless

A Pacoima recreation center offered shelter to homeless people Saturday and Sunday nights in an effort to keep them off the streets during cold, wintry weather.

The gymnasium inside the recreation center at 10943 Herrick St. can provide cots for about 200 people, said James Blanton, a center recreation assistant. But while temperatures dipped into the 40s Saturday night, only about 10 people took advantage of the services, Blanton said.

The center, which also provided shelter to the homeless last year, will be open through January on nights when temperatures drop to about 40 degrees or when it is raining and about 50 degrees, he said.

The recreation center opens at 6 p.m. to serve sandwiches, coffee and doughnuts provided by the Salvation Army, Blanton said. People seeking shelter there must be out each day by 7 a.m., he said.

Those sleeping in a park or on the streets who need a ride to the center can call Better Valley Services in Van Nuys or the city’s Department of General Services, Blanton said.

Shelter also is provided in several San Fernando Valley motels through Better Valley Services, Blanton said. When those rooms fill, people are referred to the recreation center. If the center reaches capacity, people will be sent to the National Guard Armory in Van Nuys, he said.

If the weather continues in the 40-degree range, the center could also be open tonight, Blanton said. The need is determined daily, he said.