Remote Surveillance Trailer in San Jose, CA

San Jose is opening its first safe sleeping site for homeless residents next week after construction delays.

The vacant lot at 1157 E. Taylor St. will allow up to 56 people to sleep in tents without fear of being swept, and includes eight ADA-accessible tents. The site is meant to serve as a navigation center to connect homeless people with resources and move them into housing within a month. Participants will receive three daily meals and have access to showers, laundry facilities and 24/7 security. Nonprofit HomeFirst will provide case management.

As the city continues sweeping its largest homeless encampment at Columbus Park, it will funnel some people into the safe sleeping site. San Jose is also placing people in one of five motels being converted into temporary housing. Tiny homes at Cherry Avenue, Cerone Yard and the Rue Ferrari expansion are also opening this year.

In total, San Jose aims to add more than 1,000 beds this year, doubling the city’s temporary housing portfolio. Mayor Matt Mahan said the city will be able to lower its unsheltered homeless population to 50% by the time all the shelter sites open at the end of this year.

“Our homelessness rate isn’t significantly higher than cities on the East Coast. What is, is our unsheltered homelessness rate,” Mahan said at a Friday news conference. “By the end of this year, we will be halfway there in the city of San Jose, but the truth is, we won’t reach functional zero, 100% shelter, without getting creative and without a lot of partnerships.”

San Jose has 6,503 homeless residents, up 237 people from 2023. About 60% or 3,959 people are unsheltered. The city’s homeless population peaked in 2022 at 6,650 people. At that time, nearly 5,000 were unsheltered.

The safe sleeping site took four months to construct and cost $2.6 million to design and build. It will cost $2.4 million a year to operate, Mahan said.

“To put that in perspective, a permanent supportive housing development for 56 different units would cost over $50 million,” Mahan said. “Not that it’s either or, but when hundreds (are) dying each year on our streets, we have to prioritize scaling dignity and safety for all.”

Mahan wants to achieve “functional zero” — when the number of people exiting homelessness is greater than the amount becoming homeless —by homing in on short-term, temporary solutions such as tiny homes, safe parking and sleeping sites and shelters. Mahan’s office previously said temporary housing solutions would be substantially cheaper than building permanent affordable housing — without taking into account roughly $234 million in annual operating costs to run all shelters at peak capacity, according to a housing department analysis.

The tents used at the Taylor Street safe sleeping site are ice fishing tents from the Eskimo brand, meant to provide insulation for the winter. While it will keep residents warm during the cold months, officials did not directly respond to how they will protect residents from overheating during the summer.

“We do operate cooling centers, and we’ll have water available,” Mahan told San José Spotlight.

The idea for the safe sleeping site is inspired by a similar site in San Diego that Mahan visited. Homeless people living in the San Diego site filed a lawsuit this week, claiming they live in unsafe conditions and have little relief from scorching summer heat.

“As imperfect as a safe sleeping site may be, it is significantly safer, cleaner and more dignified than the conditions we see in our tent encampments across the city,” Mahan said.

Todd Langton, founder of nonprofit Agape Silicon Valley, said the safe sleeping site has the potential to be successful, but shuffling people around from one place to the next will impact their stability.

“I applaud the mayor and all he’s doing. He’s doing a heck of a lot better job than (former Mayor Sam) Liccardo did on helping people find transitional housing,” Langton told San José Spotlight. “There’s just so much emphasis on temporary housing. This just seems like it’s a Band-Aid.”

Contact Joyce Chu at joyce@sanjosespotlight.com or @joyce_speaks on X.

Key Takeaways

San José is a California city surrounded by the hills of Silicon Valley. Known for being a huge hotspot for the tech industry, San José has much to offer to every type of visitor.

From the Tech Museum of Innovation to the Winchester Mystery House, there is something for everyone to see and many boutique hotel options to cater to each guest.

The Best Boutique Hotels in San José

Price: From $339

Inspired by the architecture of French châteaux, Enchanté Boutique Hotel provides European sophistication in the heart of Silicon Valley, a short drive away from downtown San José. Each room at the Enchanté features unique décor accents and French antiques and curated art.

Guests will be treated to premium linens, spa-quality bath amenities, plush robes, and Carrera marble spacious bathrooms. Guests have access to an off-site fitness center and benefit from complimentary Wi-Fi and parking.

Each morning, they are treated to a gourmet breakfast prepared by a chef. Wine and cheese are served in the afternoons. The rooms also have custom-design closets and a 42-inch TV.

On-site dining is available at the Campagne One Main Bistro, favored by locals and visitors alike. The bistro offers California cuisine with a French twist.

Price: From $166

Hayes Mansion was built in 1905 and can be found in the exclusive Edenvale neighborhood of San José. This upscale boutique experience is highly intimate and full of luxury.

While still in the city, the mansion feels like a private oasis that only a select few can enjoy. Each room and suite at the Hayes Mansion has recently been renovated to offer even more opulence.

Each accommodation option features ornate carpeting, wooden furnishings, a sophisticated neutral color palette, a minifridge, flat-screen HDTV, dual-line phone, Keurig coffee maker, and a safe.

The spacious suites add hand-carved furniture, imported marble accents, and a separate living area. The mansion provides ample meeting space for business travelers or events. Guests can enjoy the various fine dining and bar options on the premises, including the Palm & Ember and the Palm Patio.

Hayes Mansion is a Curio Collection by Hilton hotel, so make sure to join Hilton Honors to earn points for your stay!

Price: From $229

A vibrant location in San José’s downtown area, Hotel Clariana is one of the newest boutique hotels in the city. The classic décor pays homage to the rich heritage in San José while adding plenty of comfort with modern amenities.

The hotel includes a private guest lounge where visitors can enjoy coffee and tea service every morning and afternoon. There is an on-site fitness center and meeting room, as well as a business center and gift shop.

Each room includes a flat-screen LED TV, a Keurig coffee maker, a minifridge, an electronic safe box, complimentary bottled water, a hairdryer, individual air conditioning controls, and deluxe bath products provided by Crabtree & Evelyn.

There are king and queen bed options, with each accommodation option providing extensive comfort to guests in every detail.

Price: From $229

Full of California charm, Hotel Los Gatos takes its inspiration from Tuscan villas. This blend of old and new worlds provides an amazing boutique experience in Silicon Valley, right next to San José.

Hotel Los Gatos features an opulent outdoor pool and Jacuzzi, extensive meeting facilities, complimentary on-site parking, a 24-hour front desk, and personalized concierge service.

In addition, each room has luxurious Egyptian cotton linens, triple-sheeted bedding, down comforters, premium Keurig coffee service, a flat-screen TV, an honor bar with snacks, a shower or bathtub, and premium bath amenities.

Suites add a private balcony and a fireplace, along with a separate living or dining area. Some include a fireplace and elegant bay windows. King or queen bed options are available. In addition, hotel Los Gatos offers access to an on-site Tesla Supercharger and a fine dining restaurant operating within limited hours.

Price: From $409

Hotel Valencia Santana Row is the only boutique hotel on San José’s exclusive Santana Row. It is full of Old World charm, influenced by Spanish architecture and design. There are terracotta accents, richly colored finishes, and stunning lighting fixtures.

There is an on-site restaurant, a seasonal rooftop bar with stunning views, a heated swimming pool, and a full-service bar.

This luxurious hotel offers quick access to everything Santana Row has to offer, from upscale shopping to fine dining and numerous entertainment options. Room service is available to guests 24 hours a day, too.

Each room features a custom-designed bed, 300-thread count Egyptian linens, lit make-up mirror, 50-inch flat-panel HDTV, honor bar, safe, C. O. Bigelow bath products, and a white Italian virgin marble bathroom with waffle-weave bathrobes. Suites add a separate seating area and a private balcony with incredible views.

Price: From $139

Found just outside San José, the relaxing Los Gatos Garden Inn offers a comfortable getaway. The inn features a grab-and-go breakfast, high-speed Wi-Fi, a convenient downtown location, and access to gourmet coffee and espresso.

Each suite has a kitchenette, and guests have easy access to the nearby freeway. Complimentary parking is available, and business travelers can enjoy the on-site conference and meeting rooms.

There is a scenic gazebo area for outdoor events, along with a patio and gazebo seating. Every accommodation option at the inn includes a widescreen HDTV, minifridge, microwave, business work area with writing desk, and an iron with ironing board.

An ethernet internet connection is available, along with Wi-Fi access. This is an ideal location for romantic weekends and business travelers looking to escape the routine.

Price: From $229

The quaint Toll House Hotel can be found in downtown Los Gatos, just outside of San José. The Toll House is an intimate location full of charm. It offers easy access to the Santa Cruz Mountains and Silicon Valley, as well as the upscale shopping opportunities in Los Gatos.

There is an EV charging station on-site, along with high-speed complimentary Wi-Fi, catering spaces, a courtyard with outdoor seating and firepits, and 24-hour business services. There is an indoor/outdoor fitness center, and guests can book treatments at the next door The Spa ~ Los Gatos.

Each room includes Craftsman-style accents, an earthy color palette, 2 queens or a king bed, an in-room coffee maker, complimentary bottled water, USB charging stations, a minifridge, a Bosé stereo, and deluxe Gilchrist & Soames bath products. This quirky hotel is also pet-friendly.

Price: From $125

The Woodcrest Hotel has been newly renovated with distinctive decor. The gray, limestone and ocean blue palette is enhanced with modern furnishings influenced by European pieces. The atrium courtyard takes inspiration from celebrated French country estates.

The Woodcrest can be found only 10 minutes away from downtown San José but provides guests with an idyllic retreat. Guests are treated to a complimentary hot buffet breakfast, as well as to high-speed Wi-Fi.

The hotel’s executive lounge serves California wines and beers from Monday to Thursday. Catering services can be booked for meetings and events. Each room has a phone, LED cable TV, spacious work area, cozy full-length terry robes, deluxe bath products, and bathrooms with vanity tops.

There are deluxe, penthouse, and petite suite accommodation options, with king, queen, or double beds.

As the largest city in the Silicon Valley area, this Northern California tech hub offers many beautiful sights and plenty of history to discover. It is also a great entry point to the Bay Area.

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