The City of Tulare is committed to responding to homelessness with compassion, accountability, and a focus on long-term stability. Through Tulare CARES, the City works with community partners to connect people experiencing homelessness with shelter, supportive services, and opportunities to transition into permanent housing.

Tulare CARES Emergency Shelter

The Tulare CARES Emergency Shelter has been constructed to provide a safe and supportive environment for individuals and families experiencing homelessness.

The shelter will provide more than a place to sleep. Guests will have access to services and resources designed to help address the circumstances that contributed to their homelessness and support their transition toward stable housing.

The shelter is designed to help guests move through a structured program based on their individual needs, with the ultimate goal of achieving safe and stable housing.

Current Shelter Opening Information

The Tulare CARES Emergency Shelter is not yet open or accepting walk-in guests.

An updated opening date and information about referrals and shelter access will be posted on this webpage when available.

Individuals should not report directly to the shelter unless they have been contacted or referred by Tulare CARES staff or an authorized service provider.

Temporary Encampment and Transition

Until the emergency shelter begins operations, the Tulare CARES Temporary Encampment will continue serving its current participants.

The City and its service partners are coordinating the transition of eligible participants from the temporary encampment into the emergency shelter. Each person’s needs will be reviewed as part of the intake and transition process.

The temporary encampment is not open for public access or unscheduled admissions.

To protect the privacy and safety of participants:

• Do not enter, loiter near, or solicit within the encampment area.
• Do not leave food, clothing, furniture, or other donations at the site.
• Do not photograph or record participants without their permission.
• Contact Tulare CARES before delivering donations or offering services.

Who Will the Shelter Serve?

The Tulare CARES Emergency Shelter will primarily serve people experiencing homelessness who have established ties to the Tulare community.

Admission will be coordinated through an intake and referral process. Shelter placement will depend on eligibility, individual needs, available space, and the shelter’s ability to provide an appropriate level of care.

The shelter is not intended to operate as an unrestricted walk-in facility. Additional details about eligibility and referrals will be provided before the shelter begins accepting guests.

Seeking Assistance

People experiencing homelessness may contact Tulare CARES for information about available resources, services, and the future shelter intake process.

Tulare CARES Information
Phone: (559) 684-4293
Email: tularecares@tulare.ca.gov

Contacting Tulare CARES does not guarantee immediate shelter placement. Staff will provide information or referrals based on the person’s circumstances and the resources currently available.

For police assistance involving a non-emergency situation, call the Tulare Police Department at (559) 687-2288.

For an immediate threat to life or safety, call 911.

Donations and Community Support

Community donations can help support individuals participating in Tulare CARES programs. However, donations should not be delivered directly to the emergency shelter or temporary encampment unless arrangements have been made in advance.

Before donating items, food, supplies, or services, please contact Tulare CARES at (559) 684-4293 or tularecares@tulare.ca.gov. Staff can provide information about current needs and coordinate an appropriate delivery location and time.

Please do not leave unattended donations at either facility.

Project Background

The Tulare CARES Emergency Shelter represents several years of planning, partnership, and investment by the City of Tulare and participating agencies.

The facility was developed to replace the temporary encampment with a safer and more comprehensive shelter model. It will bring shelter, supportive services, and housing assistance together in one location so guests can receive coordinated help based on their individual circumstances.

Funding for the project has included City, county, state, and grant resources, along with partnerships with local service organizations. Measure Y revenues have also supported the City’s efforts to address homelessness.

The City held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on July 10, 2026, to recognize completion of the facility and the many organizations and individuals who helped make the project possible. The ceremony marked the completion of construction but did not represent the start of shelter operations.