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Community Human Services reports SHARE Center restart; wait list drops and housing exits begin
Summary
After taking over operations in September 2024, Community Human Services reported June 24 that the Salinas SHARE Center’s wait list fell significantly and that the shelter is increasing exits to permanent housing while working through operational issues from the transition.
Community Human Services (CHS), which assumed operation of the Salinas SHARE Center in September 2024, reported to the Monterey County Board of Supervisors on June 24 that the program is stabilizing after an early transition period and that the organization is increasing placements to permanent and transitional housing.
Key operational metrics: CHS said it served 222 individuals through April 30, reduced the waiting list from 1,129 people (539 households) early in its operation to 406 individuals (180 households) after staff outreach and eligibility cleanup, and recorded 46 percent of exits to permanent housing and 15–20 percent to transitional housing in the reported months. CHS also reported 94 percent of guests connected to benefits (Medi-Cal, CalFresh) and 16 employment placements.
Improvements and challenges: CHS described a sequence of operational fixes after taking over in September 2024, including cleaning up the waiting list, addressing on-site safety and guest behavior, updating a guest handbook, resolving a bed-bug infestation and inoperable laundry units, restoring on-site water filtration, and upgrading IT and HMIS (Homeless Management Information System) processes. Facility improvements such as carpet replacement and kennel relocation were scheduled. CHS said initial staffing was at 60 percent in September and rose to 95 percent by April.
Program model and services: The SHARE Center is a low-barrier, Housing First shelter with a maximum variable capacity of 104 beds (24 men, 24 women, 56 in family units). CHS provides case management, housing navigation, rapid rehousing assistance (rental assistance, move-in costs, landlord incentives), linkages to medical and behavioral health services, employment support, and limited on-site medical clinic hours via a county partner. Pets are accepted, and CHS operates kennel services.
Board discussion and funding concerns: Supervisors praised CHS for progress but highlighted continuing funding needs and policy fragility. Supervisor Alejo urged the county to keep telling success stories and to press state and federal partners for reliable funding streams (noting federal HAP rounds are uncertain). Supervisor Askew and others stressed the need for ongoing county support and advocacy to keep the center running.
Outcomes and next steps: The board considered the CHS update received. CHS and county staff said they would continue to work with city and state partners, maintain HMIS data quality, and pursue housing placements. CHS reported key successes: several households moved to permanent housing, clients enrolled in benefits, and the wait list was substantially reduced through outreach and increased admissions.
Speakers quoted: Robin McCrae, CEO, Community Human Services: “The SHARE Center is a low barrier shelter … The focus is on access to permanent housing.” Desiree Mora, SHARE Center program officer (on staff improvements): “We implemented a new guest handbook… improved safety and accountability.”
