2 Armories to Give Shelter to Homeless

Two Orange County armories will open Wednesday to allow some of the county’s estimated 28,000 homeless people a warm place to sleep for the next three months.

The Cold Weather Shelter Program provides shelter for 125 people at the Fullerton Armory and an equal number at the Santa Ana Armory. Because the National Guard is using the Santa Ana Armory, two churches will provide services for the first week: The Crossing Church in Costa Mesa will offer shelter Wednesday through Friday, and Good Samaritan Church in Westminster will be open Saturday through Tuesday.

Shelters will open at 6 p.m. daily to provide meals, showers, warm clothes, a place to sleep and social service referrals.

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul, which runs the shelters for the county, is seeking donations of food, clothing, toiletries and books. Items can be dropped off at the society’s office at 180 S. Cypress St., Orange, during business hours or evenings at either armory.

The Santa Ana Armory is at 612 E. Warner Ave. The Fullerton Armory is at 400 S. Brookhurst St. The Crossing Church is at 190 E. 23rd St., Costa Mesa. Good Samaritan Church is at 14362 Willow Lane, Westminster.

The county provides bus service to the shelters. Stops will be made in Anaheim (La Palma Avenue and Gilbert Street at 5 p.m., La Palma Avenue and Citron Street at 5:30 p.m.) and in Santa Ana (Flower Street and Civic Center Drive at 5 p.m., 1901 N. Walnut St. at 5:30 p.m.). Information: (714) 288-5600.