Community Divided Over Yreka’s Warming Shelter Crisis

As temperatures drop to freezing again in Yreka, California, the lack of warming shelters has sparked intense community debate. The crisis has exposed deep divisions in public opinion about how to address the city’s homeless population during dangerous winter conditions.

At a Continuum of Care meeting in October 2023, BaseCamp’s previous director raised concerns about the facility’s color scheme. The shelter’s new director, Tara Kilcollins, promised at a Thanksgiving meal for the homeless at Yreka United Methodist Church that the facility would open before 2024.

During a Yreka city council election’s debate forum this fall of 2024 a few remarks came out about hydroponic gardens and pet chickens, yet no shelter for the intended purpose of the unsheltered being sheltered.

The video below was posted December 13th, 2024!

Local officials face criticism for bureaucratic delays. However, the Yreka Basecamp, intended to provide 32 shelter beds, remains unopened due to building code compliance issues, including handicap ramp requirements. City leadership has delayed enforcing a no-camping ordinance until shelter becomes available, but county requirements for bringing facilities up to code have stalled progress, with officials citing insufficient local contractors and materials.

Healthcare costs are emerging as a key concern as community members report increasing cases of frostbite among the unhoused population, with some facing limb amputation and extended hospital stays. These medical expenses ultimately fall to taxpayers, leading some residents to argue that preventive solutions like warming shelters would be more cost-effective.

Religious institutions, once active in providing winter shelter, have withdrawn. According to local discussions, one church previously attempted to offer shelter but later sent the city “an insane” bill for services. Insurance costs were cited as another barrier preventing churches from opening their doors.

Public opinion appears divided between three main positions:

First, advocates emphasize the humanitarian crisis, pointing to the elderly and disabled among the estimated 100 people living unsheltered. They argue that waiting for perfect solutions costs lives and that imperfect shelter is better than none.

A second group focuses on systemic solutions, calling for sustainable funding and proper facilities rather than temporary fixes. They emphasize the need for mental health services and permanent housing options.

The third perspective, expressed by some residents, opposes local shelters entirely, suggesting the unhoused should relocate to warmer cities with more resources. These residents cite concerns about property damage, safety, and limited local resources.

Local experts note that most homeless individuals gather in Yreka to access county services, making this a regional rather than purely municipal issue. While city officials, including the Police Chief and City Manager, are reportedly working on solutions, they face funding constraints and jurisdictional limitations.

While city officials debate amenities and building codes, healthcare providers report increasing cases of frostbite and exposure among the unhoused population. The disconnect between urgent community needs and institutional response raises questions about local governance priorities and the effectiveness of current approaches to homelessness in our rural region.