SHARE Center 

In response to the growing number of individuals experiencing homelessness, Monterey County prioritized the creation of a new emergency shelter facility. Our team collaborated with a diverse group of 14 stakeholders to develop a program that addressed both immediate and long-term needs of the unsheltered population.

 

To support around-the-clock operations, the project required a fully functional 24-hour day center along with separate accommodations for up to 100 individuals, designed with flexibility in mind to safely house families, women, and men. With a strict $5 million budget and funding tied to grant deadlines, our design solution focused on efficiency without compromising quality. We proposed a 16,000 SF prefabricated metal structure that could meet all program requirements within cost and time constraints.

 

Key Features Include:

 

• Day Center: A welcoming reception area, waiting space, staff offices and break room, counseling and health clinic rooms, a children’s activity room, a library, multipurpose space, and a commercial-grade kitchen designed for both meal preparation and job training.

• Site Amenities: Outdoor areas were designed to support wellness and safety, including a 27-space parking lot with designated mobile health van parking, a dog park, pet kennels, outdoor dining, recreational areas, and a secure play space for children.

• Sleeping Quarters: The residential area offers 100 beds, with wayfinding and personal nameplates to foster a sense of dignity and individuality. Select room blocks feature reversible entry doors, giving staff the ability to adapt spaces for added privacy and security depending on the population housed.

 

This project reflects a balance of compassion, practicality, and smart design — tailored to serve a community in urgent need.