Merle’s Place
HomeAid San Diego’s First Commercial Project
In partnership with the San Diego Chapter of The National Association of
Industrial and Office Properties (NAIOP), Shamrock Development and Burger
Construction over saw the construction of Merle’s Place, HomeAid San Diego’s
first shelter project that utilized the expertise and resources of commercial
builders. The project was a special opportunity for the NAIOP membership to
rally its’ resources behind HomeAid San Diego and showcase the commercial
industry’s commitment to assisting San Diego’s temporarily homeless.
Merle’s Place is managed by Interfaith Community Services, a non-profit
organization that is a collaboration of over 400 faith congregations.
Interfaith Community Services provides a fully integrated continuum of care for
impoverished, homeless and unemployed persons in North County.
Located in two warehouse bays immediately adjoining the agency’s Escondido
headquarters, Merle’s Place provides 48 transitional shelter beds for North San
Diego County’s most vulnerable homeless populations: the disabled, senior
citizens and veterans. KMA Architecture & Engineering donated its’ services to
design a shelter that features dormitory-style bedrooms, bathrooms and lounge
areas. Existing on-site amenities include a cafeteria, computer lab, job
training and referrals, medical clinic, mail/messaging services, counseling and
case management.
Merle’s Place was an ideal way for commercial builders to pool their collective
resources and expertise to provide critically needed shelter beds for North
County’s homeless.