She said while the trust had some donations but they would need a lot more, and planned to seek funding from private individuals, philanthropists, businesses, the Government and Tauranga City Council.
Trustee Tracey Carlton said the building was "perfect".
It was fenced off and had a private backyard as well as all the usual amenities: bathrooms, a kitchen, a laundry.
The trust was made up of Tania Lewis-Rickard, Tracey Carlton, Angela Wallace and Colleen Spiro.
They formed five months ago with two goals: establish a day-time drop-in centre for the city's homeless - currently being trialled one day a week at Holy Trinity Church - and to open a women's shelter.
A men's shelter, the Tauranga Moana Nightshelter, opened in Elizabeth St in 2014.
Donate to He Kaupapa Kotahitanga Trust Tauranga
Westpac bank account: 03 1720 0037447 000
