The City of San José operates six interim housing communities. The first interim housing site opened in January 2020 to provide temporary housing for formerly unhoused individuals. The purpose of interim housing is to give participants an opportunity to stabilize their lives and work toward self-sufficiency. The City does not charge people rent while they live at interim housing sites.

Program participants have access to numerous resources to help them succeed in their efforts to find permanent housing and remain stably housed. These resources include job placement assistance, mental health counseling, life skills training, and assistance in applying for permanent housing.

While living in interim housing, program participants have individual rooms, which are similar to very small apartments. Amenities such as the kitchen, pantry and laundry facility are shared by all residents. It is typical for program participants to live in interim housing for a few months before moving into permanent housing.

The first two interim housing sites in the City, known as Bridge Housing Communities (BHCs), are located on Mabury Road near the Berryessa BART station, and Felipe Avenue near Story Road. 

On May 10, 2021, the Housing Department participated in a virtual panel discussion about interim housing in San José. The event was sponsored by SV@Home and moderated by Ramona Giwargis, editor-in-chief of San José Spotlight. It featured Ragan Henninger, deputy director of the San José Housing Department, René Ramirez, chief operating officer of HomeFirst, and the third panelist was one of our interim housing residents. You can watch a recording of the event below.

emergency Interim housing

The City of San José has four Emergency Interim Housing (EIH) communities. These are similar to the two BHCs although the site design and construction are a little different. The EIH communities were used to house medically vulnerable unhoused residents during the pandemic.

The EIH communities have now been rolled into the broader interim housing program with the BHCs.

The four EIH sites are located at the intersection of Bernal Road and Monterey Road; on Rue Ferrari near the entrance to Highway 101; on Evans Lane near the entrance to Almaden Expressway, and at 211 Asbury Street near SJPD headquarters.

During a ceremony to open the first EIH community, one of the program participants described her personal journey of struggle, perseverance, and finding a place to call home. You can watch her video below.

history of interim housing in san jose

The City Council originally approved two BHC sites in December 2018. One parcel is owned by VTA and one is owned by Caltrans.

Many participants in the interim housing program participate in the Santa Clara County Rapid Rehousing System. This means they have government subsidies, such as housing vouchers, to help them afford permanent housing. While living in interim housing, residents are actively searching for permanent housing where they can use their vouchers.

Here is a map to all six interim housing sites in San José.

summary of interim housing rules

Although each interim housing site operates slightly differently based on several factors, the rules at all interim housing sites are intended to ensure residents are good neighbors and respectful of surrounding communities.  

More information about Site Specific Rules & Community Guidelines can be found on page 11 of the Operations & Services Overview Manual.

explanation of security precautions

Each interim housing community takes precautions to help ensure resident and neighborhood safety. Each site is enclosed by a fence to control foot traffic in and out. Guests entering or leaving the sites are required to stop at the administrative office. Loitering near the sites is monitored and addressed. Each community has on-site security.

In addition, on-site staff and City staff engage with community stakeholders to collect input about security and neighborhood concerns. 

learn more

For more information about HomeFirst, one of the City's site operators, and to find details about making donations or applying to live in interim housing, please go to the HomeFirst website.

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