New Homeless Shelter Approved for Construction in Eureka’s Old Town, Set to Open Early 2027

The City of Eureka is advancing plans for a new emergency homeless shelter in Old Town, set to open in early 2027. The project, located at 16 Second Street, will provide temporary housing for up to 40 individuals in need. The shelter will include 27 prefabricated modular units, each housing two single-occupant bedrooms, along with restrooms, laundry facilities, and meal preparation areas.

The city has already secured prefabricated “sleeping modules” from Portland-based manufacturer LIT Homes. These units are designed to be quickly assembled on-site, allowing for a streamlined construction process. The city also purchased the half-acre lot in June with support from the Balay Ko Foundation, a Santa Barbara-based organization that provides private funding for initiatives addressing food and housing insecurity.

The project received a $2.9 million donation from the Balay Ko Foundation, which was used primarily to acquire the property and prefabricated units. The remaining funds will cover engineering and construction expenses. City Manager Miles Slattery noted that most of the donation was allocated to these initial costs, with the remaining amount supporting the development process.

Slattery expressed confidence in the project’s timeline, stating that the manufacturing of the units and the selection of a contractor are well underway. However, he acknowledged potential delays due to challenges with PG&E, including the processing of work orders for solar panel installations and related infrastructure projects. These delays could impact the shelter’s opening date, which is currently targeted for February 2027.

Councilmember G. Mario Fernandez praised the progress made on the project, emphasizing the speed at which it has moved forward. He noted that the council has been supportive of the initiative and expressed optimism about its potential to serve the community. Fernandez also raised concerns about the upcoming rainy season, asking if staff were prepared for any weather-related disruptions.

The shelter’s operation will be managed by the Betty Kwan Chinn Foundation, which had previously purchased the site with the intention of selling it to the city. This partnership underscores a commitment to addressing housing insecurity through collaborative efforts. The project reflects a broader community effort to provide immediate relief and long-term solutions for those experiencing homelessness.

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