It has taken several years, but Betty Kwan Chinn’s Hilfiker Lane housing project is almost finished and anticipates welcoming tenants to the BOSS Cubez accommodation by early May.
The initiative started in 2017 when Pacific Gas & Electric Co. gave trailers to the Betty Kwan Chinn Foundation, and then in 2022, the organization received additional support with a $1.6 million grant from the state for this endeavor. Currently, the development of these 34 residential units is almost finished.
It has indeed been quite a lengthy process," Chinn stated. "It started when PG&E provided the trailers, which unfortunately ended up burning down. Afterward, my administration formed a partnership with the city to secure funding through grants. We then needed to navigate various approvals from entities like the Coastal Commission and attend numerous meetings.
Despite some initial challenges, the new development aims to offer much-needed housing options in the Eureka region. Rent for each apartment will be set at $200 monthly; however, individuals who cannot afford this amount may receive financial assistance from the foundation. What sets this initiative apart is its innovative approach where tenants get back all the rent paid during their stay once they move out, aiding them in saving enough funds to secure another residence.
If tenants can manage their payments, they agree to pay $200 each month. However, if they struggle financially, assistance will be provided to cover the rent," explained Chinn. "Regardless of what they have paid towards the rent, once they move out, all their money will be refunded so they can begin anew elsewhere.
The units are named Cube 144 with two rooms, similar to what is shown. (Contributed/Lara Ohanesian)
Those who wish to obtain a Cube can visit the Betty Kwan Chinn Day Center, located at 133 7th Street in Eureka. The center operates from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Chinn has been involved in local efforts to assist the homeless for 43 years. Despite these kinds of initiatives inevitably facing opposition, Chinn feels that the community has become increasingly receptive to programs designed to provide homes for the homeless over the past few years.
Chinn mentioned, "There's more participation now compared to before when people were hesitant to show their support." He added, "In earlier times, both businesses and individual residents weren't as willing to step forward. But nowadays, we see widespread assistance from companies along with personal contributions. And unlike before where I would be the one reaching out for donations, this time around, offers of help find me instead."
Chinn has contributed to the development of comparable housing initiatives in the region, yet she's appreciative of how the local community has backed her vision throughout the Hilfiker Lane project.
It really resonates with me," Chinn commented regarding the assistance she has gotten from the community. "I believe folks are concerned about the homelessness problem. Providing housing for those without homes—some individuals might not have known how to go about it before, but this presents an excellent chance for them to make a difference.
The Cubez will be equipped with beds, linens, toiletries, and various household essentials, all generously contributed by nearby churches. Recent rainfall in the region has delayed progress slightly, as these showers impacted the accessibility features being added to the project; they also interfered with concrete work, extending the building timeline. Residents are scheduled to begin moving into the housing units on May 1st, with additional occupants set to join them after completion of all phases.
Since the weather has improved," Chinn stated, "we can accomplish this regardless of circumstances.
© 2025 The Times-Standard, Eureka, California. Visit www.times-standard.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.