In April, community partners announced an innovative housing plan for Seaside to provide 15 units of pallet housing as temporary shelter for homeless people.

Seaside’s housing task force got a glimpse of the project’s final site plans.

Esperanza Village, which will be built on N. Roosevelt Drive across from the old Seaside High School, will include a community room, two bathroom and shower buildings with 24/7 oversight by caseworkers.

The pallet houses are designed for one to two people, and are equipped with emergency exits, locking doors and windows, shelving, electricity, interior LED lighting, smoke detectors and fire extinguishers. Three of the units are designated to comply with Americans with Disabilities Act standards.

Two staff members will occupy a service office. There will also be a 400-square-foot community space building with kitchen facilities on-site. However, most food will be prepared off-site, Jerome Steegmans, program developer for Clatsop Community Action, said.

The goal, according to Clatsop Community Action, a social services agency that provides food, housing and energy assistance, is to fill the gap as people find permanent housing, along with the support or benefits they need.

Steegmans said the project is fully funded. Most of the $1 million cost will come from the Oregon Health Authority’s Behavioral Health Resources Networks grant program, formed after voters approved Measure 110 in 2020. The measure decriminalized possession of small amounts of illicit drugs and diverted money toward treatment.

“We just need to get through the permitting process and break ground and get set up,” Steegmans said. “Everything’s done.”

Jeff Flory, the community development director, said the proposal has been reviewed by the fire department and public works. Each unit will be inspected by the city building inspector.

Mayor Steve Wright said he was appreciative of the work done by Clatsop Community Action.

“It provides us with the next step beyond our camping ordinance trying to move people into permanent housing,” Wright said. “The problem is trying to find that next step of housing.”

He urged a collaborative approach throughout the county to meet the challenges of addressing homelessness.

“Seaside’s doing this, Gearhart and Warrenton have started conversations about what to do,” Wright said. “I’m open to discussing any of this with any other mayors to try to make sure we’re coming up with some kind of coordinated effort and bite off a little bit at a time and do the best you can with it. I think this is an excellent start. I’m just thrilled it’s in Seaside.”