After several setbacks, the Santa Clarita Homeless Shelter might open just in time for Christmas. The original opening date of Dec. 16 was pushed to Dec. 20, and then most recently to Dec. 23. The opening has been delayed by necessary modifications and “logistical obstacles” for the shelter’s modular buildings, said Tony Bell, spokesman for Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich. “(We) are working on the surmounting need to meet requirements,” he said. “Everything is moving as quickly as it can.” Four modular structures were delivered to the shelter site Friday, and once assembled will form two, 24-by 60-foot structures housing all the shelter facilities. The assembly involves wiring the buildings for electricity and installing access ramps in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The shelter is set to open Dec. 23 and will remain open until March 15, said Barbara Preheim, the shelter’s director of operations. The shelter will be open daily from 6 p.m. to 8 a.m. She said having the buildings in place is a big relief, as they are a critical component of the shelter. “The buildings have always been the driver,” she said. In addition to monetary donations “we can always use money” Preheim said there are a number of needs for the shelter, including water and supplies. It also takes hands to help, and Preheim said there is a need for volunteers to deliver supplies, cook meals and help out at the shelter. She said clean water is the most-needed item. “We go through an awful lot of water during the winter,” she said earlier this month, “and it has to be bottled water.”
    
For information on the Santa Clarita Homeless Shelter, call Barbara Preheim at 259-2267 or 993-1879.

 

This story can be found in today’s Signal Newspaper.