Hanford, CA — Amid growing concerns about homelessness and public health, Kings County is preparing to take a major step toward meaningful, long-term solutions. County officials confirmed that construction will begin this summer on a new 200-bed low-barrier shelter, marking one of the largest investments in housing support the region has seen in years.
The shelter, led by Kings Community Action Organization (KCAO), will offer immediate relief to individuals experiencing homelessness, many of whom have struggled to access services due to restrictions, stigma, or lack of resources. The facility is designed to be low-barrier, meaning individuals will not be turned away due to pets, limited identification, or complex entry requirements.
This is not just about a building, it is about building trust, dignity, and a path forward,” said county staff during the March 18 Board of Supervisors meeting, where the shelter was referenced multiple times in connection with the county’s newly passed Unlawful Camping and Obstruction Ordinance.
While the ordinance restricts street camping and encampments on public property, supervisors emphasized that compassion must lead the way.
“This ordinance does not solve homelessness,” said Supervisor Rusty Robinson. But it is a necessary piece of the puzzle, one that lets us protect our communities while still offering support and hope to those who need it.
County officials also highlighted that the shelter will coordinate with other local services, including:
Behavioral health outreach
Addiction treatment referrals
Housing navigation
Care Court and diversion programs
On-site accommodations for pets, removing a major barrier that often deters individuals from seeking help
The shelter will not only offer a safe place to sleep but will also serve as a launchpad for long-term recovery, connecting residents with the tools they need to rebuild their lives.
Planning for the shelter has been underway for more than a year, developed in collaboration with the Kings/Tulare Homelessness Alliance, various county departments, and community advocates. County analyst Alex Walker noted that the facility is just one part of a broader strategy, including new enforcement tools, expanded outreach, and continued dialogue with those on the frontlines.
“This is about balance,” Walker said. It is about compassion with accountability, offering a hand, not a hammer.
With the shelter now on the horizon and the new ordinance set to take effect in April, Kings County is positioning itself to take a more holistic approach to one of the most complex issues facing California communities today.
Francisco Ramirez is the founder of Kings Network News and creator of Kings Network Business, a platform that blends business networking, community support, and social media to uplift local entrepreneurs.
As a former Mayor of Hanford, California, he launched the Winter Wonderland event and brings over 20 years of business consulting experience. He is also a motivational speaker, life coach, strategist, author, podcaster, and skilled web and graphic designer.
He created The Invisible Kid: Courage to Succeed, a seminar on self-esteem and anti-bullying that has inspired youth across the region. Through media and consulting, Francisco empowers others to lead, grow, and make an impact.
