The Anaheim City Council voted June 17 to extend the contract with the Salvation Army to operate the city’s emergency shelter and to continue contracted security at the site.

Council action and purpose

Council approved a one‑year extension of the existing Salvation Army shelter agreement through June 30, 2026, increasing the contract authority to not exceed about $48.8 million (the aggregate since 2019). The extension continues city support for the site the city and Salvation Army describe as the largest single emergency shelter in Orange County. Council also approved a contract extension for on‑site private security services from a contracted provider to continue 24/7 perimeter and entry‑control functions; staff described the security contract as roughly a $1 million annual authorization.

What staff told the council

Housing and Community Development staff noted the shelter — opened as a rapid conversion of a dirt lot in 2019 and expanded since — has served more than 1,700 unduplicated Anaheim residents and provided over a half‑million shelter nights and more than 400,000 meals. Shelter staff reported a housing placement rate above the county and national averages for emergency shelters (staff cited a roughly 28% housing exit rate year‑to‑date versus a county shelter example at 9% and a national average near 16%).

Deputy Director Sandra Lizzo (Housing & Community Development) and shelter representatives described onsite case management, employment referrals, medical and recovery navigation and a high level of outreach coordination with city teams including the Community Care Response Team and HALO. Salvation Army leaders said they are seeking Prop 1 and other grants to add a 160‑bed residential recovery facility and a new “Cary Building” that would provide medically assisted treatment, workforce supports and research‑driven programming.

Security and neighborhood stewardship

Public‑works and shelter staff explained the contracted security teams patrol the site and adjacent blocks, screen entries and exits (staff cited roughly 600 daily entries/exits to the facility), and coordinate with Anaheim Police when incidents require law enforcement. Councilmembers asked staff to continue ensuring contracted security reports and close coordination with city code enforcement and public works, and thanked shelter staff for neighborhood outreach. A representative of the security contractor was on hand to answer operational questions.

Why it matters

Council members framed the shelter as part of a broader “pathway” approach — prevention, outreach, shelter, housing and recovery — and noted the shelter plays a role in both supporting people and preserving neighborhood quality of life. The vote allows the shelter operator and the city to continue the current shelter model while the Salvation Army pursues additional grant funding for expanded recovery housing and enhanced on‑site services.

Council vote

Council approved the contract extension and the security contract 6–0 with one recorded absence. Staff said the city will continue to work with the Salvation Army on grant proposals and will report back on implementation timelines if Prop 1 or other grants are awarded.