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

San Jose has officially opened a new tiny home village, providing a total of 136 beds for individuals experiencing homelessness. Located on Cherry Avenue adjacent to the Guadalupe River, the community is positioned near a recently cleared encampment under Highway 85. Local officials view this initiative as part of a broader strategy to transition people off the streets while the city continues to develop long-term affordable housing options.

At the ribbon-cutting ceremony held on Monday, Mayor Matt Mahan emphasized the rapid progress the city has made in addressing homelessness. “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,” he stated, highlighting the urgency of the situation.

City officials have gathered contact information for approximately 40 individuals who had been camping along the riverbank, ensuring they are prioritized for housing in the new community. According to KQED, the site is situated on land owned by the Santa Clara Valley Water District, which allows those experiencing homelessness near new interim housing to have the first opportunity to move in.

Inside the Tiny Home Village

Residents of the new village will find compact but fully functional detached units, each equipped with a bed and a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system to maintain a comfortable living environment. Shared facilities provide essential services, including bathrooms, laundry, prepared meals, and on-site social work support. The village also features security measures, outdoor common areas, and partnerships with organizations that assist residents in transitioning to permanent housing, as reported by San José Spotlight.

Funding and Future Prospects

The Cherry Avenue project received approval from the city council in 2023 and is funded through a combination of city resources, state funding, and private donations. Financial support comes from notable contributors, including John Sobrato and Good Samaritan Hospital. Construction began in January, with plans for residents to start moving in by the end of the month.

The village occupies a 2.5-acre site leased from the Santa Clara Valley Water District until December 31, 2035. The agency has established a no-encampment zone in the vicinity, allowing enforcement against individuals who camp on its land. The total cost of the project is approximately $18.3 million. Residents in the nearby Erikson area have shown their support by organizing welcome baskets and advocating for the village at city council meetings.

City officials view the Cherry Avenue tiny home village as an integral part of a rapid expansion of interim housing aimed at reducing tent encampments along local creeks and rivers. While the immediate response has been positive, advocates and policymakers stress the importance of sustainable funding and increased affordable housing production to ensure lasting solutions to homelessness. Many individuals previously living along the riverbank expressed relief at the opportunity to move indoors. Nonetheless, ongoing questions about staffing levels, on-site services, and the scalability of the tiny home model remain central to San Jose’s approach to addressing homelessness.