Los Banos outlines homelessness strategy and supportive housing project 'One Tree'

City officials described a multi-pronged approach to homelessness Tuesday, combining outreach, bridge housing and a permanent supportive housing development expected to open later this year.

"The 2026 point-in-time count was conducted in January on the 22nd… the 2026 report has not been released, but the 2025 report listed 114 unsheltered and sheltered persons," Community and Economic Development Director Stacey Souza Elms said, summarizing the city's counts and methodology.

Elms said the city uses a coordinated approach with police enforcing encampment rules and the Housing Division supplying services and case management through a coordinated entry system. The city operates two bridge homes with capacity for roughly 20 beds and conducts multi-agency outreach events for persons experiencing homelessness.

Officials highlighted the One Tree Project, a permanent supportive housing development with on-site management and wraparound services. "This project is for 58 permanent supportive housing units with an on-site management and wrap-around services," Elms said, adding that the city received $11.8 million from an encampment resolution fund and $2.5 million from Central California Alliance for Health to support the development.

City staff framed the project as providing stability and services to help residents transition from homelessness to independence; they said the target opening date is December of this year.

What happens next: City staff will continue outreach and coordinate the opening and services for One Tree; the 2026 PIT report is pending release.

Sources: City presentation at the State of the City address.