Fresno County supervisors have approved a new ordinance limiting the number of sex offenders allowed to reside in transitional housing. The ordinance, passed on January 6, 2026, aims to regulate such homes and enhance neighborhood safety. However, critics argue that the legislation’s technicalities could leave many vulnerable individuals without stable housing.
The ordinance establishes a strict limit of six individuals classified as sex offenders per transitional home. This rule combines all residents in a facility—including parolees and other at-risk individuals—into a single count. According to John Coyle, executive director of Centers for Living, this regulation will result in 34 registered sex offenders potentially facing homelessness. Coyle noted that his facility serves not only sex offenders but also the homeless and other parolees, creating a high demand for housing.
Coyle emphasized the pressing need for transitional housing, stating, “When we have a registered offender move out, it’s almost like a bidding war with parole because they know we do a great job.” He added, “The alternative is for them to be homeless, which, from the community’s perspective, is insane.”
The ordinance, sponsored by supervisors Garry Bredefeld and Brian Pacheco, is designed to prevent the overconcentration of sex offenders in any given area. During the meeting, Bredefeld expressed his concerns for community safety, stating, “I’m concerned not about frankly the rights of the pedophile, but about the rights of the law-abiding citizens to live in safe communities.”
According to records from the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office, there have been 104 calls for service to one transitional home on East Gettysburg Avenue and 122 to a neighboring facility since 2020. Many of these calls fall under the sheriff’s general category, indicating potential issues in the area related to these homes.
Community response to the ordinance has been mixed. Many neighbors voiced their concerns during the board meeting, citing increased crime and loitering near the facilities. One resident mentioned, “We’ve never had that happen in our neighborhood until this house came.” Another neighbor described a climate of fear among seniors living nearby.
While some community members supported the new regulations, others highlighted the positive impact that programs like those at Centers for Living can have. Terry Burke, a manager at the facility and a former sex offender himself, shared his experience of successful rehabilitation. Burke stated, “Without Centers for Living, I could not have progressed as quickly as I did through my recovery.” He noted that due to the facility’s program, the parole board deemed him low risk for re-offending.
Coyle defended his organization’s track record, asserting that Centers for Living has one of the lowest recidivism rates in the region. He reported only one re-offense in the past seven years, attributing this success to their comprehensive support and strict monitoring practices. Residents undergo regular drug testing and adhere to curfews, ensuring a structured environment.
Despite the challenges posed by the new ordinance, Coyle remains committed to providing housing for those in need. He mentioned the financial constraints faced by the organization, stating that it has only received $13,000 in grants over the past five years. The majority of funding comes from tenants who pay a monthly rate of $625, but only about half of them can afford to pay.
The ordinance grants the sheriff’s office the authority to enforce these new housing restrictions. As the debate continues, the implications for both community safety and the welfare of vulnerable populations remain a critical focus for Fresno County.
