LAGUNA BEACH : City to Help Pay Off Shelter’s Mortgage

In a show of support for what Mayor Robert F. Gentry called “the most wonderful affordable housing project I’ve seen in my 10 years on the City Council,” the city will spend $108,000 to retire the mortgage at Friendship Shelter Inc.

The nonprofit homeless shelter, which opened in 1989 to provide temporary housing and rehabilitation for adults, has been widely praised by city leaders as well as social service activists in the city and throughout the county.

It was the second time the council has donated a sizable amount toward the center’s mortgage. In 1989, the city gave $100,000 to the shelter to reduce a portion of the mortgage debt.

But some who addressed the council on Tuesday, including members of the Laguna Beach Housing Committee, said a portion of the money should have been diverted to help others in need, including senior citizens, people with AIDS or local artists.

“We realize there are many other good causes,” said Colin Henderson, the Episcopal priest who runs the shelter, which he says helps “the poorest of the poor.” He pointed out, however, that “we urgently need some extra help” at the shelter.

On Thursday, Henderson said he was “thrilled to bits” at the council’s action. The elimination of the shelter’s monthly mortgage payment of about $1,200 will help shelter workers maintain the quality of service they have provided to this point, he said.

However, Henderson said that the shelter will still have no money left over at the end of each month.

“Like everyone else, we’re having a tough time right now,” he said. “I think mainly, right now, our focus is on covering the budget, not going off on a spending spree.”