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One of the most challenging aspects of shelter programming is to fully understand a homeless person's point of view. The typical homeless person is undergoing a crisis that has resulted in a change of lifestyle and the loss of familiar surroundings. This experience can effect a dramatic change in a person's world view, impacting their needs and priorities. The homeless often keep pets for companionship and protection. Homeless shelters that offer solutions for pets are more inviting and may be the deciding factor a homeless person to leave the streets. Homeless shelters should be developed in locations that provide easy access including available public transportation and amenities. Shelters should be integrated into the community, rather than being isolated. The overall layout of a shelter should be able to accommodate a growing population. These facilities should also consider separating men, women, and women with children. Designing separate entrances for each group provides comfort for the users and a sense of security. By providing a space with endless amenities; a kitchen, dining room, work-out room, library, laundry, study rooms, career and educational center, meeting rooms, addiction treatment rooms, etc. the users have access to a one-stop center to meet their rehabilitative needs and reenter society after their stay. User safety is another important aspect of a homeless shelter facility. Individuals want to feel safe and have a sense of security when choosing somewhere to sleep at night. To help ensure safety it is important to have the facility monitored 24/7 by security cameras and guards. Each person should be properly checked and searched when entering the facility for drugs, alcohol, weapons, or any other potential harmful items. Having lock cards, rather than keys for users to enter their personal rooms creates a sense of privacy and responsibility. Restrooms and showers should be private enough for users to feel comfortable, but open enough for employees to regulate activity. It is important to incorporate safety measures without creating a feeling of being institutionalized. Security during hours of operation are essential part of design to insure safety for both staff and homeless. Most homeless shelters are reluctant to take in dangerous clients to avoid potentially dangerous situations with other homeless people or staff. The best practices call for shelters to have staff members trained to not engage or restrain dangerous clients and a security / emergency plan which includes contacting the police. Universal design is critical when designing a public space, especially a homeless shelter. Universal design refers to design that is usable by the greatest amount of people possible. This is important for a shelter because of the variety of users. Shelters see men, women and children of all different ages and states of mind. These facilities should be design with wheelchair access and following the (ADA) Americans with Disabilities Act design guidelines. Homeless shelters are an important part of our community and provide the necessary help for hundreds of men, women and children each year to get back on their feet. There is no exact way to design a homeless shelter, but by incorporating these elements and working to create the most influential space possible for the homeless these spaces will see the highest success rate. Conversion of the Santa Ana City Jail to Homeless Shelter Jails are built to withstand heavy duty 24-hour use for many decades and the Santa Ana Jail is no different. With much of its usable life left, it is quite eye catching which is unusual given its use. Granite flooring and trim, wood doors with glazing, and soft finishes throughout create a very welcoming environment with great potential. While some modifications, such as the removal of some sallyports, and ingress and egress routes should be made to allow easier access for residents throughout the facility, the layout can lend itself to that of a homeless shelter without a major overhaul. 100 65A-107