The State of California has granted the County of Santa Clara $25.7 million to develop a temporary housing solution for families experiencing homelessness. The Santa Clara Family Community, spearheaded by a collaborative effort with LifeMoves, a nonprofit organization, is poised to establish 30 housing units at the intersection of Benton Street and Lawrence Expressway. According to a statement from the County of Santa Clara, up to 120 individuals in need will gain access to this emergency interim accommodation.
Funded by the Homekey program's third round, this initiative is facing families in homelessness with a beacon of hope, offering not just shelter but a gateway to a range of support services. Supervisor Susan Ellenberg, representing District 4, which encompasses the city, said, via the County of Santa Clara, "I am heartened by this investment to lift up families in the city of Santa Clara who are experiencing homelessness." Ellenberg emphasized the shared values of the State, County, and City, declaring the grant to be a testament to their alignment, "even during a time when resources are shrinking."
The Santa Clara Family Community aims to serve roughly 100 to 120 people concurrently with the 30 proposed units, each designed with up to three private bedrooms. In addition to the state funding, the City of Santa Clara is investing $6.6 million, coupled with financial contributions of $7.6 million from the County and $12 million from LifeMoves.
Amenities at the new development are expected to address the essentials and beyond, featuring laundry facilities, on-site daycare, a playground for children, and even a dog park, creating a comprehensive environment for its residents. Families typically residing for months "will have access to a range of resources, including health and wellness, education, employment and housing," said LifeMoves CEO Aubrey Merriman, per the County of Santa Clara.
