TULARE, CA — The Tulare City Council met Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026, to review a draft operating agreement for a new 180-bed emergency homeless shelter. The meeting helped define shelter operations and management roles before the city and the Lighthouse Rescue Mission sign a final agreement later this year.
In June 2025, the city council chose the Lighthouse Rescue Mission, a local faith-based nonprofit, to manage the new 20,000-square-foot facility.
The city and Tulare County are partnering to build the new shelter at the Hillman Health Center. According to a report from The Sun-Gazette, the facility is limited to 180 beds due to building codes and the number of available bathrooms. The city and county will split these spots, with 135 reserved for the city and 45 for the county.
To ensure community resources help local residents, the city will start a "Tulare-first" policy. This policy prioritizes people who can prove they have community ties or those who have been receiving local homeless services for at least two years.
Council member Sigala and City Attorney Mario Zamora helped write the rules to ensure the facility follows "low-barrier" guidelines, which make it easier for people to access help without meeting strict requirements. Under these rules, people are not required to participate in religious activities or undergo drug testing to stay at the shelter.
City reports show the program will help guests find long-term housing and provide personal help based on their specific needs. Guests will also receive two meals and a snack daily, and the facility will even offer services for pets.
The estimated cost to run the shelter during its first year is $1.9 million, which covers maintenance and 18 full-time jobs. Funding will come from the Measure Y sales tax, federal housing grants, and other city funds. Officials estimate the annual operating cost per resident will be approximately $11,000.
The new facility will eventually replace "Tulare Cares," the city’s existing temporary encampment. According to city data, that program currently hosts 130 people and has successfully helped 140 individuals move into long-term housing with support services.
A final vote to approve the three-year contract is expected in late February or early March 2026.
