New regulations could be in store for Murrieta churches that volunteer to provide temporary shelter for the homeless.
According to an ordinance that will be considered by the Murrieta City Council on Tuesday, churches may be required to show that they have the financial means to operate an emergency homeless shelter, ensure that everyone who comes in is enrolled in mandatory case management programs, and meet dormitory standards for providing showers, bathrooms and lockers.
Council members will weigh the proposal, which would allow churches to act as shelters through the end of March, during their 7 p.m. meeting at City Hall, 24601 Jefferson Ave.
The ordinance was drafted after city leaders learned that Grace of Temecula Church in Murrieta had opened its sanctuary to give homeless people an escape from heavy storms that pounded Southwest County last month.
A steady crowd of 20 people stayed at the shelter for eight days, then were transferred to a hotel for one night while leaders of the nonprofit group that had opened the shelter reviewed city requirements for offering bathing areas and meeting fire safety standards.
The shelter reopened last Thursday after more than 70 church representatives, county mental health experts, regional homeless services organizations and people without homes met to discuss the homelessness problem.
Anne Unmacht, president of Project TOUCH, the group leading the latest charge to open a homeless shelter, said the homeless people who used the shelter during last month's storms continue to sleep at the church each night, while looking for jobs during the day.
"While the weather is good, we're definitely encouraging people to be productive," Unmacht said. "When the rain comes, that's a whole different ball game."
With rain forecast for Southern California again this week, Unmacht said she fears that the ordinance that council members will consider would make it difficult for churches to meet the requirements and open their doors before the rains resume.
If council members approve of the rules recommended by city staff members, a church will have to show it is in compliance with every provision of the ordinance before city staff members will consider its request to serve as an emergency shelter. It could then take staff members up to 30 days to make a decision on the request, Murrieta Community Development Director Mary Lanier said.
Lanier said the city could expedite an application, particularly in the case of extenuating circumstances such as a forecast for rain. But, Lanier said, it would first be up to the churches to provide evidence of compliance to the city.
If council members approve the ordinance, it would allow a church that has the financial means as well as enough showers, lockers and bathrooms, and waiting room space to house homeless people through the end of March. If rainy weather conditions persist after March, city reports state, the council could decide to extend the shelter cut-off date.
Participating churches would be required to enroll shelter-users in case management programs, to offer shelter space first to Murrieta residents and then to residents of other cities, and to have back-up plans for people who would be denied entry due to intoxication issues.
John Frank, a 58-year-old man who has lived for five months in a van with his sister and has been seeking refuge at the church for the past two weeks, said the proposed rules could bring safety and stability to a shelter. But, he said, requiring shelter-seekers to participate in case management programs could deter some people who need help from coming inside.
"Some people are homeless because they're hiding from people, like law enforcement or child support (collectors)," Frank said. "I'm not saying it's a bad idea, but some people don't come to the shelter because they have to sign in and sign out. All they need is shelter from the elements, but they want to do it anonymous."
Call staff writer Nelsy Rodriguez at 951-676-4315, ext. 2626.
