Balay Ko on Barca

Grover Beach, California
Opened: July 2024 | Capacity: 36

Balay Ko on Barca is a 30-bed interim supportive housing community in Grover Beach created through a partnership among local government, community organizations, and private philanthropy. The site features private sleeping cabins and extensive shared amenities that foster safety, connection, and dignity for South County residents experiencing homelessness. The project expands San Luis Obispo County’s limited shelter capacity and provides a meaningful, community-centered response to one of the highest unsheltered homelessness rates in the nation. 

Balay Ko on Barca is an interim supportive housing community in Grover Beach created through a collaborative partnership among DignityMoves, the City of Grover Beach, San Luis Obispo County, 5Cities Homeless Coalition, and local community organizations. The project responds to San Luis Obispo County’s severe lack of shelter, where 79% of people experiencing homelessness remain unsheltered—one of the highest rates in the nation for a predominantly suburban area. Recognizing the urgency, the County Board of Supervisors has prioritized addressing homelessness through strengthened partnerships with cities, service providers, and private philanthropy. The community, located at 955 S. 4th Street, provides 30 private sleeping cabins for adults experiencing homelessness, with priority given to South County residents. Each room includes a locking door, bed, desk, heating, air conditioning, and a window to ensure dignity, safety, and comfort. The site incorporates trauma-informed design principles and features shared amenities such as case manager offices, dining and community areas, a computer lab, pet spaces, gardens, and secure storage. The project transforms an empty lot into a safe, stable, and welcoming community that strengthens the region’s capacity to support its most vulnerable residents.