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County weighs modest shelter expansion, RV pilot and a spring river cleanup
Summary
Staff proposed converting the homeless shelter conference room (≈$20,000) to add up to six beds under existing restroom limits and outlined a larger 12‑bed operational scenario (~$200,000/year). The county will pursue an encampment cleanup contract and a short RV pilot while seeking additional funding sources.
San Benito County staff briefed the Board of Supervisors on Feb. 25 on a three‑part agenda: a proposed renovation to convert the shelter conference room into temporary sleeping space, possible use of RVs as transitional housing, and a contractor‑led river encampment cleanup.
Conference room conversion: County staff said a modest conversion of the shelter conference room — minor structural changes, additional bedding and partitions — would cost roughly $20,000 and could add up to six beds given current restroom capacity and code limits. Staff also presented a scenario to accommodate 12 additional people; county Health and Human Services estimated full‑year operating costs for 12 additional beds at about $200,000 (staffing, meals, janitorial and utilities). Staff noted that winter months the shelter operates 24/7 and that occupancy peaked at 43 in January 2025 (November–April average ~31.85).
RVs and pilot program: The county owns 16 RVs (five originally procured during COVID plus 11 purchased after storms). Staff reported ongoing PG&E and maintenance costs and recent thefts; five RVs are repaired and staff proposed piloting up to five single‑adult placements with case management to transition eligible residents to temporary units. Use of RVs for a broad shelter replacement drew caution from staff because of upkeep and safety concerns.
Encampment cleanup: Integrated Waste and county staff have identified a vendor used by nearby cities that can mobilize in about two weeks after a board‑approved contract and complete river cleanup in about 5–8 weeks, weather permitting. Staff recommended moving forward with contracting and ordered containers for personal belongings as part of the cleanup plan; outreach and 72‑hour notices would precede any removals.
Board direction and funding: Supervisors asked staff to obtain property‑owner approval for the conference room conversion (a letter was sent Feb. 6 and staff will follow up), refine the operational cost estimate with the shelter contractor, pursue grant opportunities (HHAP/PLHA/HOME‑key/HHAP+), and move to contract for the cleanup with the goal of action in April if weather allows.
Why it matters: The county is balancing near‑term public‑safety and humanitarian needs with limited recurring funding; supervisors emphasized that cleanup and intergovernmental coordination with the City of Hollister are prerequisites to avoid relocating encampments to other sites and that any expansion should protect staff safety and include case management.
