Shelter expansion in San Benito County put on hold amid budget talks

HOLLISTER, Calif. (KION) — Plans to expand the only homeless shelter in San Benito County have been put on pause as county leaders work through the 2025–2026 budget. This comes as local encampment sweeps continue, pushing more unsheltered individuals to seek shelter space, but options remain limited.

For Marie Parra, who currently stays at the shelter, the lack of resources is part of a daily struggle.

Each morning at 8 a.m., Parra and others must leave the shelter and find somewhere else to go, since the facility is only open overnight, from 5 p.m. to 8 a.m. That means spending long hours outside, even in hot or unsafe conditions.

"The path from the homeless shelter into town is just right on the side of the freeway," Parra explained. "So many people walk it every day, but there's just no sidewalk."

Enrique Arreola, Deputy Director of the San Benito County Health and Human Services Agency, says the shelter can’t stay open 24 hours due to a lack of funding, except during winter months.

Arreola had proposed adding 12 beds and expanding shelter hours, but those plans are now delayed. He estimates the expansion would cost an additional $150,000 annually.

While county officials weigh their options, Arreola says the need is increasing, especially as more people leave local encampments, particularly along the riverbed.

"As they're being abated, there will be a percentage of them who want to be sheltered," he said.

In a statement, County Supervisor Kollin Kosmicki confirmed that the shelter expansion has been tabled during budget talks. He added that there are typically beds available, but many unhoused individuals have declined the shelter option.

Still, Arreola warns that the current availability may not last, and he's looking elsewhere for solutions. He says local nonprofits and partners are exploring other funding sources and plan to request financial support from the Leadership Council by the end of the month.

Meanwhile, the county is also moving forward with a Homekey project that’s expected to provide permanent supportive housing by the end of the year.

"We’re doing what we can," Arreola said. "But the reality is, more investment is needed if we want to see real change."