CITY MAY CONVERT WAREHOUSE INTO HOMELESS SHELTER; INTERFAITH COUNCIL TO OPERATE TEMPORARY FACILITY IF APPROVED.

Byline: Teresa Jimenez Daily News Staff Writer

The city could have its first homeless shelter - though a temporary one - if the City Council approves a proposal this month to convert a former cosmetic company warehouse into a protective overnight area during the expected El Nino storms.

A committee charged with reviewing options for a shelter proposed one of the former Merle Norman warehouses, which the city bought in October for recreational purposes, because it fits the needs and vision of the group, said Gail Ortiz, Santa Clarita's public information.

The City Council still must vote on the matter, scheduled for Nov. 25. If approved, the shelter would be open from Dec. 1 until the end of March, said Adele Macpherson, in charge of the project for the city.

The particular warehouse is already up to code and equipped with showers, separate areas that can be used to divide men and women and a full kitchen, Ortiz said.

``We didn't buy it for the homeless. We bought it for recreation,'' Ortiz said. ``But there's a building there that's perfect for what we need, and it's temporary. The fact that it's up to code is key. We would have had to spend a lot of money to get it fixed otherwise.''

The Santa Clarita Valley's Interfaith Council, a nonprofit organization of area church representatives, first brought up the issue of a need for a homeless shelter several months ago.

Councilwoman Jo Anne Darcy met with organization representatives and agreed that the city's estimated 100 homeless people needed protection from the predicted flood conditions. The council in October decided to commit $10,000 and other contributions to a shelter.

Since the proposal, some residents have complained that the homeless do not deserve assistance, that the city may draw homeless people from outside the area and that once the facility opens those using it may never leave.

But Darcy said the fears are unfounded.

``There have been people making nasty calls, saying they don't think we'll be able to clear them out once they're in,'' Darcy said. ``To me, I thought it was an unfair slam and an elitist position. We do have to help those who are less fortunate.''

The Interfaith Council will run the facility, which will be open from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m., and will rely mostly on donations to feed and house the visitors, Ortiz said. The city will provide support services.

The facility will also have rules - among them, no guns or weapons of any kind, and no drugs, Ortiz said.

Since the former Merle Norman warehouses complex - now called the Canyon Country Recreation Center - was purchased, the city Parks and Recreation Department has taken aggressive steps to convert the area.

One of the warehouses will be converted into a facility with basketball courts, racquetball courts, dressing areas and other amenities. The city is already accepting bids on the project, which is scheduled to open in January.

The city has also begun developing plans for a skate park on the property. That project is expected to be completed in the spring, probably in April.