Bad behavior forces shelter program into early closure
By Nancy Needham nancy@theacorn.com

The winter shelter for the homeless had to close early this year because of the behavior of some of those seeking its comforts and others outside, shelter director Diana Ortuno said.

The doors shut on March 31 this year instead of April 15, the expected date. In years past the shelter was scheduled to last only until March, but Ortuno had recently tried to extend it, she said.

"It just didn't work. There were problems."

Ortuno didn't want to lose the places of worship that volunteer their facilities, so she closed a couple of weeks early after police were called because of an intoxicated person screaming in the parking lot outside the synagogue where the shelter was provided that night, she said.

"There were no problems inside that night. A neighbor called the police because of what was going on in the parking lot," Ortuno said.

That occurrence along with times when people inside argued over where they were going to put their beds and other difficulties made Ortuno worry that she might lose a place or two for next year's shelter, she said.

It's not unusual for homeless people with nothing of their own to try to stake a claim on where they put their foam mattresses at night. They try to sleep in the same place and sometimes get upset if someone takes their spot, she said. Ortuno has directed the overnight shelters for seven years and has seen it happen before.

"Sometimes we have to remind them it's not the Hilton," Ortuno said.

A few of the guests ask for extra pillows, sheets and other items to make them more comfortable, but they are limited to one pillow, two sheets and a blanket.

"A few years ago we lost two churches, and it was very hard for me to find replacements for them," Ortuno recalled.

The shelter is very important for about 30 people a night during the winter, she said. Sometimes there are families who come to eat dinner and spend the night. That option is there for them when it's cold or raining. The shelter opens in November and stays open every night until spring.

Some only come for dinner. This year volunteers from more than 40 charitible groups served dinner to up to 65 people a night.

"Some people come for dinner because it helps them pay their other bills if they get the help on that one meal, but they don't sleep the night," she said.

The meals continue yearround. Those who would like to eat just have to get to whichever house of worship is hosting the dinner that night.

It is difficult for the homeless to move from place to place. Many do not have transportation. Now that the shelter is closed, they are back to sleeping in the bushes, Ortuno said.

They can go to Lutheran Social Services, 80 E. Hillcrest Drive, to take showers and to do laundry. A quick meal is available there. Sometimes there are clothes and other necessities for them that have been donated by the community for the homeless and lowincome people who come by in need.

"Right now we could really use more disposable baby diapers to give out," Ortuno said.

For more information, call Lutheran Social Services at (805) 497-6207.