San José Announces Opening of Transition Facilities for Unhoused Residents Evacuated During Recent Storms, Keeping Vulnerable Neighbors Off the Streets

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 13, 2023

Media Contact:

Tasha Dean, Chief Communications Officer, Office of Mayor Matt Mahan, tasha.dean@sanjoseca.gov  

SAN JOSÉ, CA – The City of San José announced it is standing up Evacuee Transition Facilities (ETF) at San José’s existing quick-build housing communities, including Rue Ferrari, Monterey/Bernal, and Mabury, as two temporary 24-hour emergency evacuation centers close on Monday, January 23 since the immediate threat of severe storms has passed.

Combined, the ETFs will accommodate up to 132 tents on wood pallets. Bathroom facilities and handwashing stations are also available onsite. San José has nearly 5,000 unsheltered residents living on our streets. This new and innovative solution will help get unhoused residents displaced by the recent storms into safe, temporary spaces with wrap-around services and a plan of action to place them into dignified quick-build housing or other interim housing options. The City is pairing rapid response with the collaboration of community and government partners to create an innovative way to get our most vulnerable residents off the streets. 

“The storms of the last couple weeks have created an opportunity for us to accelerate our effort to bring our homeless neighbors indoors, into a caring environment with onsite services and pathways to self-sufficiency,” said San José Mayor Matt Mahan. “I want to thank the many City workers and nonprofit partners who have come together to turn a one-time evacuation order into a more lasting and positive impact for our community.”

San José is also working to rapidly place evacuees, based on an evaluation of each person’s needs, into other locations operated by the City where there is availability, such as the Overnight Warming Locations (OWLs), quick-build housing communities, bridge housing, and through programs like the Rapid Rehousing, Motel Vouchers and even permanent supportive housing. 

“I am proud that San José was one of the first California cities to issue a Proclamation of Local Emergency and Evacuation Order for the recent atmospheric rivers. The order enabled us to save lives and focus on our most vulnerable communities, including the unhoused residents living within waterways throughout the City,” said City Manager Jennifer Maguire. “The emergency evacuation centers provided a safe, dry place to protect evacuees for the duration of the storms. I am incredibly thankful for the tireless work done by many City employees. From clearing storm drains to knocking on doors, operating warming centers, and making announcements along our creeks, we worked as One Team to keep our City safe.”

The City is grateful for the continued partnership with the Red Cross and for operating the two current emergency evacuation sites at the Seven Trees Community Center and Camden Community Center. San Jose is also thankful for the incredible work done by the Emergency Operations Center team, Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services Department, San Jose Conservation Corps, and the Housing Department for creating this innovative step-up for residents who need this opportunity after the recent crisis. 

Recently, the Silicon Valley Community Foundation announced the launch of the SVCF Emergency and Disaster Relief Fund, a long-term, regional fund that will provide grants to non-profits and government entities assisting those most impacted during times of crisis or disasters – including San José residents affected by the recent storms. To respond to community needs following the recent storms and flooding, the community foundation will use monies raised into the emergency fund to support a range of nonprofits and government entities providing direct relief, including Destination: Home. 

Destination: Home, a San José-based nonprofit dedicated to ending homelessness, will provide support to assist with the purchase of Care Kits for unhoused residents currently residing in flood shelters who choose to move to the Emergency Transition Facilities. Supplies may include sleeping bags, blankets, winter hats, scarves, gloves, socks, hand warmers, and gift cards to purchase other necessities like food, hygiene items, medicines, and clothes. 

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About the City of San José

With more than one million residents, San José comprises the 10th largest city in the United States, and one of its most diverse cities. San José’s transformation into a global innovation center in the heart of Silicon Valley has resulted in the world's greatest concentration of technology talent and development.