During a recent City Council meeting in Wairreco, city manager Jason Ledbetter provided an update on various housing projects aimed at addressing homelessness in the community. The discussions were prompted by a request from Mayor Pro Tempore Paul McCoy to review the city’s current and future plans to combat homelessness.

Ledbetter outlined several key initiatives currently underway. The Crossroads Project, a permanent supportive housing initiative, has completed construction and is now filling its 49 units, which cater to individuals with severe mental illness and low-income residents. Notably, eight individuals previously living on the streets of Eureka have already been housed there.

Another significant project is the Pallet Shelter, a collaboration between the city and Siskiyou County, which will provide 15 to 18 beds in small, non-congregate units. This facility is expected to open in November 2024 and will primarily serve the care court population. The city is currently preparing a lease agreement to facilitate the county's operation of this shelter.

Additionally, a low barrier shelter with 32 beds is nearing completion and is anticipated to open within 30 to 60 days. This shelter aims to provide immediate relief for those living in public spaces.

Ledbetter also discussed the Home Key initiative, which involves converting motels into non-congregate shelters. The city is exploring partnerships with local motel owners to secure funding for this project, which could significantly increase housing availability for the unhoused.

The meeting highlighted the ongoing challenges in addressing homelessness, particularly in light of recent statistics indicating a rise in the homeless population in Siskiyou County—from 321 individuals in 2022 to 507 in 2023. Ledbetter emphasized the correlation between housing costs and homelessness, noting that 66% of extremely low-income households in the county are spending more than half of their income on housing.

Council members expressed concern over the limited availability of housing options and the effectiveness of the county's voucher program, which currently assists 17 individuals in motels and provides additional services to 41 others. Ledbetter acknowledged the difficulties in managing grant programs and the pressing need for more resources to support the unhoused community.

The meeting concluded with a call for further discussion among council members regarding the ongoing projects and potential future initiatives to enhance housing options for those experiencing homelessness in Wairreco.