The City of Costa Mesa opened a 50-bed temporary interim bridge shelter on a portion of the property located at 1885 Anaheim Avenue on April 5, 2019. The temporary bridge shelter is run by a combination of city outreach staff and staff from Mercy House, an experienced, well-respected operator who ensures the facility is a reservation-based model along with 24-hour security and neighborhood management covering a half-mile radius. The city provided upgrades to the property, including creating security fencing around the facility, increasing lighting in the area, cleaning and sanitizing streets, sidewalks and parks where necessary, and adding modular trailers for restrooms, storage of personal belongings, and space for shelter beds. In addition, Costa Mesa had previously satisfied the need for 12 of its 62 required beds by approving an application from College Hospital, a longtime and respected provider of mental health and medical treatment in the community.

The city’s commitment is to operate the highest quality facility that is securely operated and free of loitering or neighborhood disruptions and will improve the greater Costa Mesa community, with a particular focus on a 1,500-foot radius around the facility. It is vital that this facility does not negatively impact the immediate surrounding neighborhood. Additionally, by opening a 50-bed bridge shelter, the city avoided further litigation and the court will allow the city to put a heightened focus and strict enforcement of the city’s anti-encampment ordinance.