Since February seemed to hit the record to be the coldest month for Southern California so far, many city officials got together to open an additional 50-bed, co-ed winter homeless shelter at the Antelope Valley Fairgrounds. The collaborating officials, were the City of Lancaster, L.A. County Homeless Services Authority, the Antelope Valley Fairgrounds, Grace Resources, the Salvation Army, Hope of the Valley, and L.A. County Supervisor Kathryn Barger’s office.
“We are grateful for the partnership of L.A. County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, as we continue to help those in need throughout our community,” said Lancaster Mayor R. Rex Parris. “While this program meets an urgent and important need, it is just a temporary solution. We continue to collaborate with the county and local community to roll out permanent year-round, multi-pronged initiatives to address homelessness – partnering to meet today’s needs as we prepare for tomorrow’s.”
Operated by Hope of the Valley, the shelter opened Feb. 27 and will remain open through the end of March. The shelter’s hours of operation are 5 p.m. to 7 a.m., with transportation rovided to – and from two sites: Salvation Army’s Access Center (44517 Sierra Highway) and Grace esources’ parking lot gate (45134 Sierra Highway). Salvation Army pick-up times are 4:45 p.m. and 6:15 p.m. Grace Resources’ pick-up times are 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. Participants must be transported to the shelter; walk-ins are not accepted. Both, Grace Resources and the Salvation Army, have agreed to acilitate pick-up/drop-off services, where those in need can be safe and connect with other resources.
“I’m proud to have worked closely with the city on opening this expanded Winter Shelter site These resources have the potential to save lives, especially during these cold winter months,” said Supervisor Kathryn Barger.”We truly appreciate the partnership of our provider, Hope of the Valley, for stepping up and helping us make this happen.”
“I would like to thank the many agencies throughout our community, whether public, private, or faith-based organizations, who are tirelessly working to do their part to help address homelessness. In particular, we are grateful for the A.V. Fairgrounds for once again stepping up to meet an urgent need and fill the gap by hosting a winter shelter,” said Lancaster Vice Mayor Marvin Crist. “We also appreciate the diligent efforts of our Lancaster Homeless Impact Commission and City staff, who are hard at work, developing programs and obtaining funding to meet our community’s specific needs.”
For more information regarding the Lancaster Winter Shelter, or to inquire about special accommodations, call the shelter directly at (661) 208-1072. For more information regarding the city of Lancaster’s homelessness initiatives, as laid out in the Lancaster Community Homelessness Plan, visit www.cityoflancaster.org/lancasterengage.
