HOUSING-FOCUSED SHELTER
We help each person who walks through the doors of one of our shelters move
out of homelessness and into permanent housing through evidence-based,
nationally accepted best practices. Our goal is always to ensure our shelters are housing-focused and that our clients are set up for success after moving into their housing.
ABOUT
SHELTER
Our Shelter Programs
Friendship Shelter's ASL Emergency Shelter (45 beds) and Bridge Housing Program (30 beds) employ evidence-based, nationally accepted best practices for ensuring our shelters are dynamic, effective resources.
Services We Provide
Both shelters provide basic needs and wraparound services including a safe place to sleep, shower, and do laundry; all meals; assistance connecting to medical and mental healthcare; income, benefit and employment assistance; and transportation support. We provide direct on-site mental and behavioral health assessment and treatment.
Collaboration
Our mental and behavioral health assessment and treatment is delivered by contracted psychiatric nurse practitioners and MSW clinical social workers. We refer clients to external providers including Orange County Health Care Agency, and Mission Hospital.
How You Can Help
Our generous Guest Chef volunteers provide meals at both shelter locations. Whether you prepare meals at home or use our state-of-the-art kitchen, these lunches and dinners provide much needed relief for our organization's budget and staff. Visit our volunteer page to learn more!
Where We Work
The Bridge Housing program is located on S. Coast Highway in Laguna Beach. The ASL Emergency Shelter is a collaboration between Friendship Shelter and the City of Laguna Beach and located on Laguna Canyon Road.
The Client's Experience
Our goal for every person who walks through our doors is to move out of homelessness and into permanent housing as swiftly as possible. Clients work from day one with a Housing Coordinator, who helps set goals for permanent housing. including assistance with searching, applying for, and moving into appropriate housing.
Community
We understand that social connection and a sense of community are strongly correlated to housing stability and health outcomes. Our staff works to strengthen each client’s social and community connections with family, health providers, addiction and other support groups, senior and young adult groups, faith groups, coworkers, and volunteer opportunities prior to and immediately after housing placement.