It will now cost Manteca at least $628,000 a year for security services at the city’s emergency homeless shelter at 555 Industrial Park Drive.

An agreement to extend the existing arrangement with Shield Protection Group for another six months is before the Manteca City Council on Tuesday.

It reflects a $314,539.68 for security guard services between Jan. 1, 2025 and June 20, 2025.

It more than a $36,000 jump over the cost of the current six-month contract that expires Dec. 30.

The shelter requires 24-hour security service to reduce the possibility of risk or injury to the unsheltered community.

Security guards also ensure the safety of City employees, current operating provider, His Way Refuge House, and secure the premises. 

 The contract provides an armed security guard at the homeless services site 12 hours a day. 

In addition, there is a non-armed security guard on staff 24 hours.

The arrangement has taken some pressure off of Manteca Police as well as increased the safety of the homeless basically from other homeless people.

 City Manager Toni Lundgren noted last year that an increase in concerns about safety prompted the decision to use the security firm that has experience securing similar homeless shelters.

A secure facility is key to the effort the city is now doing to transition the homeless into two dorms that provide beds for up to 50 homeless  

To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com