The Salvation Army reopened its Ventura shelter this month, after a major makeover that included fresh paint, new steel kitchen appliances and a learning room that features butter-yellow walls adorned with a painted tree and flowers.

The fresh look makes a big difference to Jennifer Harris, who moved in right after giving birth to her second child, Jayden, only a week ago.

"It makes you feel like you have a nice place to live," Harris said. "Appearance helps with a good attitude."

The remodeling, which took about a year, cost $1.1 million. Funding came from a magic show that the shelter puts on every year, as well as grants, said Shelli Locklear, program director.

With the remodeling, the shelter provides nine beds for women and eight family rooms, which have bunk beds, a crib if needed, and a private bathroom.

Single men without children are not admitted.

Before the remodeling, the kitchen was "grimy and dirty," Locklear said. "We had broken windows."

Now the kitchen has new refrigerators so vegetables and meats can be kept separate. And there's a separate sink for washing vegetables.

Homeless people who want to live at the shelter first must pass a drug test. After they move in, they must attend parenting classes.

"A lot of parents just don't have skills with the kids," Locklear said. "We're teaching them to have fun with the kids instead of being stressed all the time."

Women also participate in a weekly women's group.

In addition, people with substance abuse problems must attend weekly Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous meetings on site.

While living at the shelter, residents are expected to find a job within a month, then save half their income so they can pay for first and last month's rent when they move out.

Generally, people stay six months, Locklear said.

"We're the last center before somebody goes back into society on their own," she said.

Harris decided to go to the shelter after hearing Locklear speak while she was incarcerated for 15 weeks on a forgery conviction.

"I was scared," Harris said. "I didn't know what I was going to do. I'm not scared anymore."

On a recent afternoon, Harris fed Jayden while her 5-year-old son, Tanner, played in the shelter's learning room, surrounded by computers, puzzles, a chalkboard and markers.

The room is run by School on Wheels, which provides tutoring, backpacks and supplies for homeless children between kindergarten and 12th grade.

"Their education is number one," said Sinead Chilton, communications coordinator. "The Salvation Army provides for their basic needs — shelter, food and security. School on Wheels is filling in the gaps in their education."