A multi-story interim housing site in South San Jose is set to open later this month, transforming a previously vacant grass lot that was frequently used by homeless encampments and was the number one source of complaints from nearby residents. The new housing site aims to provide temporary accommodation for individuals in need, helping to alleviate the issue of unmanaged encampments in the area. This development is part of San Jose's broader efforts to address homelessness, which includes the establishment of sanctioned tent sites and tiny home communities. San Jose officials have been working to identify suitable locations for these temporary housing solutions, with a focus on areas near waterways where encampments are prevalent. The city has approved a plan to move approximately 500 homeless individuals living along creeks and rivers to sanctioned encampment sites by June 2025. The city's approach includes setting up managed camps with services, security, and sanitation, modeled after successful initiatives in other cities like San Diego. The cost of establishing these camps is estimated to range from $18,000 to $40,000 per tent, with operational costs potentially reaching $22,000 to $33,000 per person annually. The opening of this interim housing site in South San Jose marks a significant step towards addressing the city's homelessness crisis, providing a safer and more managed environment for those in need.

This initiative is part of a larger strategy that includes the construction of tiny homes and safe parking sites. The city aims to add 628 tiny homes before next July, although construction has faced delays. The transformation of the grass lot into a multi-story interim housing site demonstrates San Jose's commitment to finding innovative solutions to homelessness, balancing the needs of both the homeless population and the local community.