City Officials: Shelter Unsafe For Residents

There’s no sprinkler system, only one fire escape and a single shower that’s falling apart. But it is a place to call home for nearly 80 people – unless the city decides otherwise.

“It’s better than nothing. It’s better than being out in the streets,” Alyssa Avalos said. “I’ve been out in the streets and it’s not nice.”

From the outside, the building, covered in pink paint, looks like a warehouse. David Arellano used it as office space for his moving and storage company. However, his family runs a separate woman’s shelter and soon he realized there were more families in need and just not enough space.

“We started letting the families stay here,” Arellano said. “The next day another family came in, now we have over 20 families here, almost 80 people altogether.”

It’s a tight fit. Sometimes two or three to a bed. The beds are often boxed in by some of life’s simpler pleasures, like a reading book or picture frames of better times. The bedrooms are separated by tarps.

“It’s not the best thing, but at least it’s home for them for now.” Arellano said. “They have their privacy.”

There’s only one tiny shower for all 80 residents.

“It’s really frustrating” Avalos said. “It’s annoying but you know that’s how it is.”

City officials say even if the building is a home to dozens of residents, it’s not a safe one. Building inspectors sent out a letter to Arellano telling him that he was violating several city codes, including not having a sprinkler system, not having enough fire exits and windows covered in cardboard. Arellano estimates it will cost about $400,000 to fix everything and come into compliance.

“All the people here are working, going to school, doing something. They’re not lazy or on drugs. They’re working people,” Arellano said. “We just need time.”