After several years of work, Betty Kwan Chinn’s Hilfiker Lane housing initiative is almost finished and plans to accommodate tenants in the BOSS Cubez housing by early May.
The initiative started in 2017 when Pacific Gas & Electric Co. provided trailers to the Betty Kwan Chinn Foundation. In 2022, the organization received additional support with the state granting $1.6 million towards the project. Currently, this 34-unit accommodation development is almost finished.
It has indeed been quite a lengthy process," Chinn stated. "It started when PG&E provided the trailers, which unfortunately caught fire later on. Myself along with the city entered into a collaborative effort to secure funding via grants for this initiative. We also needed to navigate through various approvals from entities like the Coastal Commission as well as attending numerous meetings.
Despite some initial issues, the new development aims to offer much-needed residences in the Eureka region. Every apartment will charge $200 monthly as rent; however, individuals who cannot afford this amount may receive assistance from the foundation. What sets this housing initiative apart is that tenants regain their paid rent upon moving out, aiding them in accumulating funds for future accommodation.
If tenants manage to cover the rent, they pay $200 monthly; otherwise, assistance is provided to help them meet the payment," explained Chinn. "Regardless of what they have paid towards the rent, upon moving out, all their money will be refunded so they can begin anew elsewhere.
The units are named Cube 144 with two rooms, as shown. (Contributed/Lara Ohanesian)
Those who want 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 dedicated 43 years to assisting the local homeless population. Despite these initiatives often 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.
More people are coming forward to offer their support compared to before. Earlier, folks were hesitant about showing up to lend their backing," Chinn stated. "Currently, both enterprises and individuals from all over are stepping in with assistance, including commercial entities. However, I am not the type who goes around soliciting contributions; I find it uncomfortable doing so... People simply reach out to me directly.
Chinn has contributed to the development of comparable housing initiatives in the vicinity, yet she remains thankful for the way the local community has backed her vision throughout the Hilfiker Lane project.
It really resonates with me," Chinn commented regarding the assistance provided by the community. "I believe folks genuinely care about addressing homelessness. Providing housing for those without homes—some individuals might not have known how to tackle this before, but now presents an opportunity where they can make a difference.
The Cubez will be equipped with beds, linens, toiletries, and various household essentials, all generously provided through donations from nearby churches. Recent rainfall in the region has caused delays in progress, as these weather conditions impacted accessibility features during construction; moreover, moisture affected the curing process of concrete, further extending building timeframes. Residents are scheduled to begin moving into their new homes starting May 1st, with additional occupants set to join them upon completion of all phases.
“With the improved weather,” Chinn stated, “we can accomplish this regardless of circumstances.”
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