San José, California – Victims of fires and other disasters who need short-term emergency housing now will have shelter available as the result of a unique partnership involving the City of San José, Emergency Housing Consortium and American Red Cross.

The “Haven,” which celebrated its opening today, can provide emergency housing for up to 20 people who would otherwise be temporarily homeless as the result of residential fires or other disasters.

“Families displaced by disaster will be able to have roof over their heads as a result of this creative partnership,” said San José Mayor Ron Gonzales. “By combining our strengths as a community, we can help victims while they begin the challenge of rebuilding their lives and homes after the loss caused by fires.”

The City of San José and the San José Redevelopment Agency provided a $1.9 million grant for the acquisition and conversion of the Haven.  Affordable housing funds set aside by the Redevelopment Agency are administered by the city’s Housing Department to finance the creation of a wide range of affordable housing solutions. 

New furnishings for the Haven were provided by EHC, which will manage the four housing units.  The Red Cross will provide in-take screening and referrals to the Haven.  The Haven’s buildings, located in the Washington neighborhood on Locust Street, originally housed nuns for the nearby Sacred Heart Church and school.  

“I have seen many families in despair over the years because they have lost their home and belongings,” said San José Fire Chief Manuel Alarcon. “Especially because of the expensive housing market in the last few years, people have had to struggle to find a place to live on such short notice after a fire.  Now they have a safe place to go with their children.”

The rehabilitated building consists of three 2-bedroom units, one 1-bedroom unit, and a manager’s unit. Handicap-accessible facilities also have been added to assist individuals with physical disabilities, and the Haven includes a shared kitchen, dining room, livingroom and laundry room.

Last year, the Santa Clara Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross assisted more than 200 families displaced by fires by providing emergency services such as shelter, food, and clothing.  Thanks to community contributions and volunteers, Red Cross is able to offer disaster victims free assistance. 

Additional services include crisis support, search assistance for permanent housing, transportation vouchers and referrals to community agencies. For additional information about Red Cross services, call (408) 577-1000, or visit their website at www.redcross.org/ca/scv.

Emergency Housing Consortium is the largest provider of shelters and services in Santa Clara County and serves over 10,000 people every year. Additional EHC services include transitional and permanent housing, meals, health services, life and employment skills training, counseling, case management, mental health support services, and emergency services.  For additional information call EHC at (408) 294-2100, or visit their website at www.homelessness.org.

The City of San José continues to be the regional leader for to creating affordable housing to meet the needs of families at all income levels. The city is on track to meet its aggressive five-year goal using $240 million from the San José Redevelopment Agency to build more than 6,000 affordable homes by 2004.  This is double the past decade’s rate of affordable housing production by the city.

            For more information about San José housing programs and services, contact the city at (408) 277- 4747, or visit the city’s website at www.san-jose.ca.us.