San Jose Unveils 136-Bed Tiny Home Village Near River Camp

San Jose has launched a new tiny-home village, providing 136 beds for individuals experiencing homelessness. Located on Cherry Avenue alongside the Guadalupe River, this community is positioned next to a recently cleared encampment beneath Highway 85. City officials are promoting this initiative as part of a broader strategy to transition individuals indoors while longer-term affordable housing solutions are developed.

During a ribbon-cutting ceremony on October 30, 2023, Mayor Matt Mahan emphasized the swift progress the city has made, stating, “In just 10 months, we’ve opened eleven communities like this one, that are helping people get off the streets and get on with their lives.” City officials noted that they collected contact information from approximately 40 individuals who had been residing in the nearby encampment. According to KQED, the Cherry Avenue site is on land owned by the Santa Clara Valley Water District, which allows those experiencing homelessness near new interim housing to be prioritized for residence.

Living Arrangements and Amenities

The village consists of compact yet functional detached units, each equipped with a bed and an HVAC system to ensure comfortable living conditions. Shared facilities include bathrooms, laundry services, prepared meals, and on-site social work assistance. As reported by San José Spotlight, the community also features security measures, outdoor common areas, and partnerships with organizations that support residents in their efforts to secure permanent housing.

The project received approval from the city council in 2023 and is financed through a combination of city funds, state resources, and private donations. Notable contributors include John Sobrato and Good Samaritan Hospital. The city commenced construction in January 2023, with plans for residents to begin moving in by the end of October.

Land Use and Community Response

Covering 2.5 acres, the village is situated on property leased from Valley Water until December 31, 2035. The agency has established a no-encampment zone in the vicinity, allowing enforcement against unauthorized camping on its land. The project incurred a total cost of approximately $18.3 million, with residents and advocates from the Erikson area actively supporting the initiative. Community members have organized welcome baskets and expressed their backing during city council meetings.

Officials view the Cherry Avenue village as a critical element in a rapid deployment of interim housing solutions aimed at reducing the number of tent encampments along local creeks and rivers. While many individuals previously living along the riverbank expressed relief at moving indoors, ongoing discussions highlight concerns about staffing levels, available services, and the scalability of the tiny-home model within San Jose’s overall strategy to address homelessness.

As the city continues to develop this project, the focus remains on securing stable funding and increasing the production of affordable housing to create lasting solutions for those in need.