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Los Banos advances housing‑first approach: 58‑unit 'One Tree' project, shelter programs and outreach reported to reduce homelessness
Summary
Housing staff described a multipronged strategy — permanent supportive housing (One Tree), bridge home and motel programs, and expanded outreach and volunteer pathways — and reported a drop in the point‑in‑time count from 114 to 101 (an 11% decline). Staff said $14.3M is secured for One Tree and first occupancy for initial units is targeted in December 2026.
Housing program staff told the council the city is pursuing a "housing‑first" continuum of programs and projects that combine construction of permanent units with near‑term emergency shelter and coordinated outreach.
The central capital project is the One Tree permanent supportive housing development, a 58‑unit complex that staff said has secured multiple grants and has active site work underway. Community and Economic Development staff stated they had assembled approximately $14.3 million in funding sources for the One Tree project and that grading and infrastructure are in place; staff said they expect first‑phase occupancy in December 2026.
Housing staff also described other shelter and crisis responses: a bridge home operated by a contracted provider (Merced Rescue Mission), an emergency motel stay program for people with an exit strategy (e.g., imminent housing voucher availability or safety concerns), and ongoing encampment operations that provide sanitation and outreach. The housing division emphasized a case‑management approach that requires eligibility and an exit strategy for emergency motel stays.
On outcomes, Housing Program Manager Christie reported the city’s point‑in‑time count decreased 11% year over year — from 114 to 101 — and attributed the decline to the combination of consolidated encampment operations, outreach and local programs that move people into housing or to permanent relocation options. Christie also described a "get‑ready" program to prepare candidates for permanent units — financial readiness, case management and coordination with nonprofit partners — and said the city is improving pathways to housing by expanding volunteer and peer‑led opportunities that help people re‑establish routines and work readiness.
Christie said staff are exploring a faith‑based employment readiness pilot to create small, supervised work opportunities for encampment participants who demonstrably have the capacity to participate. The pilot would rely on nonprofit or faith partners for liability and administration while giving participants pro‑social work experience aimed at creating momentum toward stable housing and employment.
What the city is funding and next steps: staff said One Tree is funded by a mix of state and regional grants (including an encampment resolution fund and other awards named during the presentation) and remains on schedule for site work; the housing division will continue outreach, condition‑based shelter and transition supports while reporting regular progress to council.
Speakers: Housing Program Manager Christie and Community & Economic Development staff (Stacy) presented the item and answered council questions about future parcels and program eligibility.
Provenance: Housing details and the point‑in‑time figures come from the Community & Economic Development and Housing presentations during the May 5 workshop.
