Jennifer said. “This approach is working, but we still have a
long way to go.”
“We’re seeing an 84 percent success rate with homeless
people who have been housed with access to case management
and other essential services. That includes people who have
endured a decade or more of homelessness. It’s a huge win.”
Jennifer pointed to the Gilroy Sobrato Apartments as an early
and major step in the right direction. It provides 25 units of
100 percent supportive housing for chronically homeless, many
of whom have disabilities.
According to Jennifer, the current challenge is the shortage
of housing units. “We’re partnering with the County, cities and
others to increase the supply of housing for the homeless. We’re
excited about the potential for a housing bond measure to make
it onto the November ballot.” (At the time of this writing, the
Board of Supervisors had not yet confirmed such a measure for
the November ballot.)
“Along with funding, we need policies that support housing
first strategies. City councils and staff need to work with county
departments and other organizations. These partnerships are
vital to success.”
Supportive Housing and
Homelessness Prevention
Ky Le is Director of the Office of
Supportive Housing for Santa Clara
County. His office implements housing
policies established by the county’s board
of supervisors. He calls it a safety net
system that connects the most vulnerable
population with housing resources and
coordinates the county services available
to them.
KY LE
“Our homeless population is quite
diverse, but the overwhelming majority
wants permanent housing. We have interviewed many people
who have been without a home for ten or more years and it’s
not by choice.”
Ky described three priorities of his department:
Permanent Supportive Housing
Deep long-term subsidized housing accompanied by services.
This strategy addresses people identified by the county as
chronically homeless due to disabling conditions. Ky said
more units need to be built.
Rapid Rehousing
Individuals or families without disabling conditions may need
temporary rental assistance. This strategy gives people a home
and helps them “transition in place” and take on the full rent
as they are able.
26
GILROY • MORGAN HILL • SAN MARTIN
Homelessness Prevention Services
This strategy provides a one-time brief rental or other type
of financial assistance for people identified as at risk of
homelessness. Assistance with budgeting, credit counseling
and other services are also provided as needed.
“We’ve been implementing these solutions for some time and
they are effective when properly funded and managed. No single
agency has the wherewithal or authority to solve the challenge
on its own. Ideally, we need stakeholders to come together and
set five-and ten-year goals for further development of supportive
housing.”
Working alongside Ky is Bob Dolci, the County’s Housing
and Homeless Concerns Coordinator (among other roles) in the
Office of Housing and Homeless Support Services. His office
develops policies, coordinates services for the homeless, and
collaborates with other levels of government, community-based
organizations, and the private sector to advocate for legislation
and advance public policies to end homelessness.
County Housing and Homeless Support Programs
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HUD Housing Program for Homeless Addicted to Alcohol
HUD Mental Health Permanent Supportive Housing Program
Shelter Plus Care Program
Cold Weather Shelter Program
Transitional Housing Unit Program
UPLIFT County Share Contract (transit pass program with the VTA)
Outreach and Engagement of Homeless Individuals
Biennial Homeless Census and Survey Contract
Remembering the Needs of
Our Downtown Merchants
Last April, the Compassion Center made
a presentation to the Gilroy Chamber of
Commerce on a proposed tiny homes
village to house and provide services to
the homeless. Chamber President Mark
Turner applauded their work saying it
was a comprehensive presentation, but
wondered if it would really minimize the
problem given the cost to the community.
MARK
He expressed the growing concern of
TURNER
chamber members about the impact of
homelessness on downtown Gilroy.
“Our business community is very compassionate. They hire
the homeless and donate to support services. At the same time,
the presence of the homeless downtown means business owners
sometimes have to deal with trash, wash down the walkway
in front of their stores, and cope with other disturbances. It
discourages customers from shopping. We monitor the issue
and communicate with various organizations, but it’s frustrating.
We’re all looking for a proven model of success – one that shows
long-term results.”
JULY / AUGUST 2016
gmhtoday.com