Yes, there’s a solution to unsheltered homelessness in California. It’s called interim housing. The trauma of surviving on the streets, even for a few weeks, changes most people — forever. They need a better waiting room.

DignityMoves has been selected as a recipient of $500,000 Grant from the Citi Foundation in 2024 Global Innovation Challenge to Advance Solutions to Homelessness, joining a cohort of 50 community organizations from around the world.

Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law SB 1395, which addresses California’s housing and homeless needs by expanding access to interim housing. Authored by Senator Josh Becker (D-Menlo Park), SB 1395 is sponsored by San José Mayor Matt Mahan, DignityMoves, the Bay Area Council, and the San Francisco Bay Area Planning and Urban Research Association (SPUR).

With the generous support of the Women's Fund of Santa Barbara, including the $125,000 grant this year, we are making significant strides in reducing unsheltered homelessness. Together, we are expanding our interim housing communities and impact in Santa Barbara County.

DignityMoves CEO Elizabeth Funk says developing tiny home sites costs around $50,000 a unit

The DignityMoves community in downtown Santa Barbara has been so well-received that the County Board of Supervisors voted to partner with DignityMoves to build an additional 300 rooms – enough interim supportive housing to help close the “shelter gap” in the county. The effort includes the La Posada interim housing community, located at 4500 Hollister. La Posada provides housing to individuals living in encampments in the immediate area.