As homeless shelter expenses rise, San Jose looks for creative ways to rein in costs

SAN JOSE HAS DOUBLED the number of homeless shelters it operates over the past year and a half — and with that comes staggering operational costs that will require creative cuts.

The city is projecting its shelters will rack up $94 million in maintenance and operating costs in the upcoming fiscal year. This eye-popping figure means San Jose needs to find a way to rein in spending on 23 temporary housing sites in its portfolio — 10 tiny home villages, two safe parking sites, a safe sleeping site and 10 motels converted to shelters — as the city tackles a $56 million budget shortfall.