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The Kings County Homelessness Collaborative represents a remarkable coalition of 18 organizations working together to tackle one of our community's most persistent challenges. In this eye-opening conversation, Hanford City Councilman Mark Kairis and KCAO Executive Director Jeff Garner reveal how their coordinated efforts have already reduced the county's homeless population from 417 to 302 individuals.
Mark explains the practical challenges of implementing Hanford's no-camping ordinance while balancing compassion with community needs. The dedicated Housing Assistance Response Team (HART) works daily to connect homeless individuals with resources while addressing business owners' concerns about downtown impacts. Jeff details the impressive array of current services available, including the 38-bed Barbara-Saville Shelter, 22-unit Sunrise Apartments for rapid rehousing, transitional housing partnerships, and rental assistance programs designed to prevent homelessness before it begins.
The most exciting development discussed is the ambitious 11-acre campus planned for 10th Avenue and Hanford-Armona Road. This transformative project will feature a 200-bed low-barrier emergency shelter, 40,000-square-foot food bank, and centralized kitchen serving multiple community needs. What started as a simple search for a new food bank location evolved into a comprehensive vision for addressing homelessness, food insecurity, and community support services under one roof. With $7.7 million already secured from diverse funding sources including federal appropriations, state grants, city contributions, and private donations, this project demonstrates the power of cross-sector collaboration.
The conversation highlights a crucial truth about addressing homelessness: when we help our most vulnerable residents, the entire community benefits. Construction is expected to begin in 2026, with the shelter opening in 2027. Want to be part of this community-changing effort? Contact the Kings County Homelessness Collaborative to learn how you can contribute to creating lasting solutions for our neighbors in need.
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