A new report on homelessness shows that the Bay Area has the third largest homeless population in the country, with 28,200 people in the region experiencing homelessness. According to the latest annual report on the state’s homelessness by the Bay Area Council Economic Institute, homelessness in the Bay Area is just behind Los Angeles, with about...
Housing
Housing
Santa Clara County paid $13,000 a day to house homeless after project delay
Downtown San Jose’s first long-term affordable housing development, Second Street Studios, is set to open this month, but unexpected delays forced Santa Clara County to pay up to $1.15 million in motel costs for the future residents. The first-of-its kind project — meant to address the growing homelessness crisis — will house 134 individuals, considered some...
Silicon Valley housing shortage worsens for lowest-income earners
Only 22 out of every 100 households in California’s lowest income bracket have access to available and affordable housing, according to the most recent annual report by the National Low Income Housing Coalition. That means the state’s poorest people can’t find a place to live — something which the report points out is a pattern...
They wear bright shirts and clean downtown. Who are the Groundwerx crews?
You’ve probably seen them out before, in bright colored t-shirts and rubber gloves, pushing wheeled trash cans through the quiet streets of downtown during the day. The concept behind the work — to regain a sense of purpose, after years of living on the streets have left them with little hope. There aren’t many waitlists...
Hope Village residents move into motel, relocation on hold
With a deadline looming to move the Hope Village homeless encampment and county officials abandoning relocation plans, residents are temporarily being moved into motel rooms. “Given that they have to vacate the site, we have offered and most of them, except for one or two, have accepted moving into motels for about 30 days,” said Ky Le,...
New housing proposal revives debate over old City Hall site
Months after homeless advocates and the county came to a head over the fate of the old San Jose City Hall building, county officials are now considering using part of the site for temporary homeless housing. The move comes after a heated debate involving homeless activists and county officials. Advocates pushed to renovate the former City Hall annex...
San Jose lawmakers send letter to end SJSU homelessness
Five San Jose city lawmakers have now publicly declared their support to help end the student homelessness crisis at San Jose State University. In a letter released today, Vice Mayor Chappie Jones and Councilmembers Raul Peralez, Magdalena Carrasco and Maya Esparza pledged their commitment to work with SJSU President Mary Papazian to help find housing...
Hope Village not coming to Willow Glen following backlash
Hope Village, the homeless encampment of about 16 people situated off Ruff Drive, will not be moved to Willow Glen anytime soon. The relocation was put on hold Monday by the Santa Clara Valley Water District, following intense scrutiny from residents in the neighborhood. “This problem didn’t go away, it’s not going away. The people who are unhoused are as...
Willow Glen residents come out in force against homeless project
The deadline to relocate homeless residents at Hope Village is approaching — but some of their potential new neighbors in Willow Glen are asking public officials to opt out. Emotions ran high Wednesday at a community meeting as some residents expressed concern that the Hope Village project — a sanctioned homeless encampment currently on Ruff Drive — will bring...
Frederick Ferrer takes helm at CASA of Silicon Valley
After consulting, teaching and leading child development programs across the country, Frederick Ferrer stepped into the role of CEO at the Child Advocates of Silicon Valley in late February Ferrer said the organization presents him with an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of Silicon Valley’s most vulnerable residents — at-risk kids. But...