For Immediate Release
April 17, 2020
Plans underway to continue to expand hotel capacity and increase screening of individuals without shelter.
The County of Santa Clara and its partners have responded to COVID-19 in the homeless community by providing appropriate housing for every homeless individual who has tested positive or is suspected of having COVID-19. The countywide effort to identify and provide temporary housing began even before the Health Officer's Order to Shelter in Place.
The County has successfully expanded housing options to reduce occupancy in homeless shelters in the County and to facilitate social distancing in accordance with Public Health guidance. We have done this by moving people into hotel rooms, non-congregate temporary housing, and opening additional shelters with appropriate social distancing. The County has placed all 35 homeless individuals or households who tested positive for COVID-19. Additionally, we have proactively housed 236 homeless individuals in hotel/motel rooms, and another 277 homeless individuals in shelters that have social distancing protocols in place.
"The County needs to do everything it can to support and protect unhoused residents during this historically difficult time," said Supervisor Dave Cortese. "We continue to work to expand screening, testing, and housing options on a daily basis."
As of April 16, the County has secured 453 hotel/motel rooms at sites in San Jose, Santa Clara, Sunnyvale, Santa Clara, Morgan Hill, Gilroy, and is continuing to secure additional temporary housing sites for isolation and quarantine.
Ensuring the health and safety of unhoused individuals in our community is among the County's highest priorities. We will continue to dedicate time, effort, and finances to keep members of our homeless community safe.
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