Manteca will spend $1.47 million between today and June 30, 2026, for basic homeless shelter services and security at the emergency shelter in  the parking lot of 555 Industrial Park Drive.

The City Council last week approved a $841,566 contract extension with His Way Refuge Center to operate the 24 hour shelter.

A second contract for $635,992 with Shield Protection Service provides 24/7 security for the next 12 months.

The presence of security has been a plus in getting some homeless to opt for the shelter.

It has also drastically reduced calls for the service of Manteca Police officers.

The homeless shelter provides a clean and safe area for persons experiencing homelessness to develop a pathway towards permanent housing, income, healthcare and stability.

The new agreement will allow the services currently offered at the shelter to continue. Those services include resources during the day, available to both the unsheltered community and to those on the verge of being unsheltered.

Services include overnight shelter, meals and food distribution, restroom and showers, clothing, haircuts, transportation, case management, assistance in coordinating services with San Joaquin County Behavioral Health Services, pet kennels and food, mail services,  services referrals, and street outreach.

The shelter since last April has been providing overnight accommodations. With the recent addition of a third portable dorm, the shelter can now accommodate up to 50 men and 25 women.

The city is currently working on converting part of the 55,000-square-foot former Qualex photo processing building they are in the process of buying to serve as the city’s permanent homeless navigation center.

Much of the funding for the two contracts is coming from state and federal grants.

To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com