COUNCIL AGENDA: 10/17/2023
ITEM: 8.3
TO: CITY COUNCIL FROM: Mayor Mahan Councilmember Jimenez
Councilmember Cohen
Councilmember Foley
SUBJECT: SEE BELOW DATE: October 13, 2023
Approved Date: 10/13/2023
SUBJECT: Actions Related to the Via Del Oro Mobile Quick Build Shelter and Housing Cost Benefit Analysis
RECOMMENDATION
Approve the staff recommendations with the following additional direction:
1. At least ninety (90) days prior to issuance of a certificate of occupancy (or equivalent), prioritize outreach to unhoused residents within 1.5 miles of the proposed Via del Oro Mobile Quick Build Shelter and Housing project, including encampments and inhabited vehicles along Great Oaks Boulevard and Las Colinas Lane.
2. Develop a preference list for shelter placements in the Via del Oro Mobile Quick Build Shelter and Housing project, as follows:
a. First preference: unhoused residents within 1.5 miles (as the crow flies) of the proposed Via del Oro Mobile Quick Build Shelter and Housing project, including encampments and inhabited vehicles along Great Oaks Boulevard and Las Colinas Lane.
b. Second preference: unhoused seniors, veterans, individuals with a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act, or transition-aged foster youth who had, within the past five (5) years from execution of the lease/use agreement with John Sobrato, a legal address or resident address for purposes of voter registration in the City of San Jose. c. Third preference: unhoused residents who had, within the past five (5) years from execution of the lease/use agreement, a legal address or resident address for purposes of voter registration in the City of San Jose AND possess a voucher through the Housing Authority.
d. Fourth preference: unhoused residents who had, within the past five (5) years from execution of the lease/use agreement, a legal address or resident address for purposes of voter registration in the City of San Jose.
BACKGROUND/ANALYSIS
After proudly championing this innovative solution to our housing crisis and supporting the integration of the first three EIHC sites in District 2, we know building interim housing for unhoused residents provides a safer and healthier environment and a path to stability.
However, neighboring residents don’t always experience these results when they see encampments close in proximity to our EIHCs, and consequently, they often link crime, graffiti, and blight in the surrounding area to these sites.
Funding used to support the Via del Oro Mobile Quick Build Shelter and Housing project does not impose similar types of residency restrictions typically seen with, for example, sources used to subsidize supportive housing. For this reason, we propose development of a shelter placement preference list, as described in the recommendation above.
We encourage the Council to support these recommendations, which we believe will help build acceptance of interim housing solutions in our community.