‘We have to move faster’: Development starts on San Jose’s first sanctioned encampment

SAN JOSE IS BREAKING GROUND on its first sanctioned homeless encampment, which will allow 56 people to sleep in tents without fear of being swept this summer.

The vacant lot at 1157 E. Taylor St. will serve as a navigation center, where participants will be given three daily meals and have access to showers, laundry facilities and case management. The goal is to move people within 30 days of placement to another temporary housing site such as a tiny home or congregate shelter — where people share a common space with limited or no privacy — or into permanent supportive housing. The safe sleeping site will have 24/7 security and is expected to be ready in June, costing $2 million a year to operate.