Winter is looming and a local non-profit group would like to ensure that folks without benefit of roofs or heat can count on those basic housing needs to see them through.
Some, however, aren’t so sure.
Trinity Center, a non-profit corporation that provides services to the local homeless population, filed an application for approval of a Conditional Use Permit to turn the Walnut Creek National Guard Armory at 1800 Carmel Drive into a temporary shelter for a three-month period beginning Dec. 12 and running through March 12.
Trinity Center Executive Director Donna Colombo has asked the city for permission to convert the armory into a service-rich winter shelter program to provide overnight shelter services to 30 homeless people – with Trinity Center staff, volunteers, and homeless service agency partners working to find transitional or permanent housing for those enrolled in the program.
If approved, the program would be open daily from 6 p.m. to 7 a.m., with participants pre-screened and registered in advance and transported to and from the Armory location in the morning and evenings.
City staff appears to support the idea, though Walnut Creek police have raised concerns about security, increased crime and the ability of the police department to respond to any incidents given current constraints on personnel.
Trinity maintains that their daytime programs will alleviate most if not all of these concerns. Since the shelter will only operate during evening hours, daytime services will be provided at Trinity Center, 1924 Trinity Ave. on weekdays with alternate daytime services coordinated through other service providers during the weekend.
The matter comes before the Planning Commission for further discussion tonight, Thursday, at 7 p.m. in Walnut Creek City Council chambers, 1666 N. Main St.
Trinity Center is a wonderful organization. Winter nights are kind of chilly. Please have a heart….