County of Monterey partners with Salinas to open a winter weather shelter.

The City of Salinas and Monterey County are partnering to reopen the former Chinatown Navigation Center, located at 115 E. Lake St. in Salinas, as an overnight inclement weather shelter beginning Sunday, Nov. 15 and continuing through March 31, 2027.

The $150,000 initiative will provide temporary shelter for individuals experiencing homelessness during severe weather conditions. The City and County will each contribute $75,000, with Victory Mission, a faith-based nonprofit, operating the facility and the Coalition of Homeless Services Providers also supporting the effort.

The city's $75,000 contribution will come from the SHARE Center budget.

“Every resident of Salinas deserves to feel safe, protected and valued, especially during their most vulnerable moments,” Salinas Mayor Dennis Donohue said in a statement. “No one should have to face dangerous weather conditions without a safe place to turn.”

Under Monterey County's inclement weather policy, the shelter will operate from 7pm-7am when rain is forecast and temperatures are expected to be 45 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. It may also open during other extreme weather conditions that threaten public health and safety.

The City of Salinas, along with other jurisdictions in Monterey County, has already announced preparations for difficult winter weather due to El Niño, with plans for additional evacuation shelters as needed.

The facility previously operated as the Chinatown Navigation Center before closing in spring 2026 because of funding constraints. The shelter will provide overnight accommodations, food, showers and clean clothing. 

“This is an example of what government and community organizations can accomplish when we work together, leverage our resources, and remain focused on the needs of the people we serve,” Salinas City Manager René Mendez said in a statement.