Tulare Cares low barrier shelter to house its first guest within three weeks

TULARE, Calif. (KFSN) -- The Tulare Cares low-barrier shelter will open its doors by the first week of August and provide wrap-around services and resources to unhoused community members.

Local leaders say it has taken at least 8 years of team effort to make the shelter happen.

"The vision and the mission we have here at the shelter is taking a chance on people, giving them a second chance," says operations manager Brittney Diaz.

Diaz and the team at Tulare Cares are preparing to welcome about 200 unhoused community members within three weeks.

Many of them are living in a nearby encampment, organized by the city and looked after by individuals who live there.

Diaz shared she once experienced homelessness herself, it was thanks to the help of city leaders that she is now leading Tulare Cares.

"Both the City of Tulare and Manny Carrillo took a chance on me and when they found us along the tracks he offered me a position at the temporary encampment that we have across the street."

The 25,000 square foot facility was pioneered by Terry Sayre. She shares she followed her calling and mission to help unhoused community members.

Sayre, a retired kindergarten teacher turned councilmember in 2018, shares the backstory, "So I ran a campaign on the golden rule 'Do unto others as you would like done to yourself,' my main focus was to help the unhoused. I got poked on my shoulder and it was God telling me 'Get out there and do something for the least of my children,' and that was my motivation."

The $12.5 million construction project was made possible through city, county and state funds. Plus, grants and partnerships with local agencies, like Lighthouse Rescue Mission.

Tulare Cares is partnered with Tulare County, so 25% of bed occupancy will be held for county residents.

"Another important set of folks that we want to thank are not only the county board of supervisors but our legislative litigation team who have helped advocate for funding for projects like this so we can help folks get off of the streets and get somewhere safe," expresses Thomas Gaffrey, Assistant City Manager for Tulare.

The team effort was made up of passionate local individuals who each had a similar mission of helping people be all they can be, helping individuals find their purpose.

"When you walk around the facility, you see all those components of dignity that are here for them so they can get themselves out of their situation and there are so many that are working here," expresses Sayre.

The shelter has employed at least 12 individuals who have experienced homelessness, including its operational manager.

The facility could potentially house up to 400 people, and welcomes families.

It also has 64 kennels for dogs.

Currently, there are just over 350 unhoused community members in Tulare.

The low-barrier shelter will include wraparound services, classes, transportation for its guests and it does have a vetting process and curfew.

They will house their first guests by the first week of August.

To learn more about Tulare Cares, click here.