By outdoor-nature-child.com On September 3rd, San Jose kicked off an expansion plan for its micro-housing project, aimed at increasing the availability of shelter beds for the homeless. This initiative represents a pivotal step in the city’s strategy to tackle the ongoing housing crisis. Mayor Matt Mahan highlighted the critical nature of this expansion.
In an interview, Mayor Mahan emphasized the heightened awareness among local and federal officials regarding the severity of the housing crisis. He pointed out that their understanding deepened significantly as they witnessed the challenges faced by homeless individuals during the recent heatwave. “When temperatures climb close to 100 degrees Fahrenheit, none of us would want to stay in those conditions for long. Yet countless people living on the streets have no alternatives. We bear the responsibility to provide improved living conditions for them,” he remarked.
According to reports from Mercury News, around 4,500 individuals in San Jose are currently living in tents and cars, grappling with an unstable and uncertain lifestyle. In light of this urgent situation, the city plans to rapidly construct micro-homes and set up designated parking and sleeping areas, with the aim of adding hundreds of temporary housing units within the next 18 months.
The expansion will include a management building, laundry facilities, and a kitchen, ensuring that the homeless have not only basic shelter but also essential amenities for hygiene and meal preparation.
Moreover, the project is set to incorporate outdoor recreational spaces and a dog park, addressing the needs of homeless individuals who have pets. Contractors have indicated that the project is expected to wrap up by September 2025, adding 144 beds—comprising 60 single rooms, 36 double rooms, and 12 accessible units.