HomeFirst’s new leader says the homeless support services nonprofit is looking to turn the page. René Ramirez was permanently appointed as CEO last month, after his predecessor Andrea Urton stepped down in July amid turmoil within the organization. Ramirez, who at that time was chief operating officer, became the interim CEO. After a nationwide search,...
San Jose homeless camps spark safety issues for railroad workers
Homeless residents living along train tracks pose an unsafe and dangerous problem for railroad workers across California cities, including San Jose. Recent videos shared by a San Jose-based railroad enthusiast show workers and riders passing by homeless camps close to the tracks — giving a glimpse into some of the most egregious encampment sites. While railroad officials...
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San Jose counts homeless people along creek ahead of sweep
San Jose officials have homed in on a stretch of waterway to clean up debris and ban homeless encampments. A 12-mile stretch along Coyote Creek is slated to be cleared of homeless people starting in January and an encampment ban will be reinforced following that. The areas include Tully Road to Capitol Expressway, O’Toole Lane...
Nearly 200 homeless people died this year in Santa Clara County
Eyes welled with tears as people lit candles and spoke the names of Santa Clara County homeless residents who died this year at a Friday memorial — a reminder of the harsh reality of living on the streets and the urgency to get more people housed. From Dec. 1, 2023 to Nov. 30, 197 homeless people died...
San Jose university students still battling homelessness
Homeless San Jose State University students are struggling to find housing — and worry where they’re going to sleep at night as they stress over school work and passing grades. The Student Homeless Alliance, which advocates for unhoused SJSU students, is pushing to expand the number of emergency beds available and for seven safe parking...
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San Jose’s first homeless safe sleeping site opens in March
San Jose officials are sharing more details about the city’s first safe sleeping site for homeless residents as the March opening draws near. Mayor Matt Mahan and city housing officials spoke with residents on Monday about how they’ll convert the lot at 1157 E. Taylor St. into a place where up to 56 homeless people...
Sunnyvale OKs winter hotel rooms for homeless residents
Homeless residents in Sunnyvale will be able to find local shelter from the elements this winter instead of going beyond city limits to get out of the cold. The Sunnyvale City Council on Tuesday unanimously approved a pilot program to book up to 10 hotel rooms at Extended Stay America Suites on Orleans Drive. Homeless...
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San Jose plans tiny homes on Cherry Avenue
A long overdue agreement between San Jose and Santa Clara County’s largest water agency to build housing for homeless residents has been greenlit and is slated to break ground next month. The San Jose City Council unanimously voted on Dec. 3 to enter into an agreement with Valley Water to build a new tiny home...
Campbell hotel program to support homeless residents
Homeless residents in Campbell will soon find some relief through the city’s new hotel program, adding a resource to the West Valley where little support exists. The Campbell City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to grant nonprofit Silicon Valley Independent Living Center a $147,500 contract to oversee a hotel program for the homeless community. The two-year...
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San Jose senior apartment tenants take issue with management
An affordable housing development near Willow Glen was supposed to give homeless older adults a safe place to live. Instead, a number of residents are clamoring to leave. Leigh Avenue Senior Apartments, located at Leigh Avenue and Southwest Expressway, provided housing to 63 older adults when it opened in 2021. Seven residents told San José Spotlight...