DignityMoves proudly announces the rapid progress of Interim Supportive Housing (ISH) in California. With three grand openings, three groundbreakings, and the passing of the Interim Supportive Housing Act in the California State Senate over the past six weeks, the success of ISH is evident across the state.

What Are the Recent Developments in Interim Supportive Housing?

On April 29, DignityMoves, in partnership with the Salvation Army, Santa Clara County, and the City of San Jose, unveiled plans to build 120 interim housing beds for people experiencing homelessness and struggling with substance abuse. These efforts are complemented by upgrades and remodeling of the Salvation Army’s Emmanuel House, enhancing its capacity to serve as a temporary shelter for homeless individuals.

On May 1, DignityMoves and the City of San Jose broke ground on a 150-bed interim supportive housing community. Located on a parcel of land leased from a private developer for a dollar a year for 10 years, this project is partially funded by private philanthropy in a unique public-private partnership. This model serves as a template for future projects in San Jose, maintaining momentum in the city’s quest to end unsheltered homelessness citywide.

Rendering for the interim housing community coming to Via del Oro in San Jose, CA.

How Does Interim Supportive Housing Differ from Traditional Solutions?

Interim Supportive Housing offers a new type of intervention that is gaining popularity across California. Unlike traditional shelters, ISH provides each resident with their own private room with a locking door. Residents typically stay for an extended duration ranging from six months to two years, allowing them to stabilize and work toward permanent housing solutions.

ISH differs from permanent housing in that it is not intended to be a long-term solution. Instead, it serves as a transitional stage, offering support and resources to help individuals navigate toward a permanent solution. This approach addresses the immediate needs of people experiencing homelessness while fostering long-term stability and success.

What Are the Recent Achievements of DignityMoves?

In March, DignityMoves celebrated grand openings at Hope Village in Santa Maria and La Posada in Santa Barbara County. They also held a groundbreaking ceremony for 50 units in Thousand Oaks. Additionally, a grand opening in Grover Beach, in partnership with 5Cities Homeless Coalition, provided 30 new beds.

DignityMoves has been at the forefront of driving the rapid adoption of ISH as a critical tool in the homelessness solutions toolkit. The success of its first communities in San Francisco and Santa Barbara demonstrated how quickly and cost-effectively interim housing can be delivered, sparking a wave of interest across the state. Current interim housing communities are underway in regions including Modesto, Watsonville, Oakland, San Luis Obispo, San Bernardino, Ojai, and more.

“In our first two years of operations, DignityMoves built four communities with a total of 200 units,” said Joanne Price, Co-founder and Chief Real Estate Officer at DignityMoves. “In this quarter alone, we are doubling by adding another 210 rooms, and this year we have over 1,500 rooms in our pipeline.”

Grand Opening of Hope Village – Santa Maria in Santa Barbara County. Image courtesy of Mooncrest Media.

What is the Interim Housing Act?

Exponential growth demonstrates that cities are eager to embrace this new model. As with any new system, the existing laws and metrics are not designed for ISH to flourish. To address this, Sen. Josh Becker authored SB 1395, the Interim Housing Act.

Cosponsored by DignityMoves, the Bay Area Council, SPUR, and Mayor Matt Mahan’s Office in San Jose, this legislation clarifies uncertainties municipalities face in understanding interim housing and its role in strategic plans. The act confirms that interim housing is a valid state program, removes ambiguities about CEQA, and extends the sunset for existing streamlining authorities, such as the Shelter Crisis Act and Low Barrier Navigation Centers.

By combining the extension of these acts and other streamlining provisions, the state sends a strong message that it embraces interim supportive housing, paving the way for cities to adopt this model rapidly and cost-effectively.

Founder and CEO Elizabeth Funk speaks alongside co-sponsors at a press conference announcing SB 1395, the Interim Housing Act

About DignityMoves

DignityMoves is an innovative nonprofit dedicated to ending unsheltered homelessness. Their model of building Interim Supportive Housing is a rapid, cost-effective, and scalable solution. Applying Silicon Valley-style disruptive thinking and private-sector approaches, DignityMoves is setting new standards in addressing homelessness. Learn more at dignitymoves.org.

FAQ

What is Interim Supportive Housing (ISH)?

Interim Supportive Housing (ISH) is a transitional housing solution that provides individuals experiencing homelessness with private rooms and supportive services. It serves as a temporary step to help residents stabilize and work towards permanent housing solutions.

How does ISH differ from traditional shelters and permanent housing?

ISH offers private rooms with locking doors, unlike traditional shelters, which often have congregate settings. It is not intended to be long-term housing but rather a transitional stage with supportive services to assist individuals in moving towards permanent housing.

What recent developments have occurred with DignityMoves’ ISH projects?

DignityMoves has recently celebrated grand openings at Hope Village in Santa Maria, La Posada in Santa Barbara County, and a groundbreaking ceremony for 50 units in Thousand Oaks. Additional projects are underway in various regions across California, including Modesto, Watsonville, Oakland, and more.

What is the Interim Housing Act (SB 1395)?

The Interim Housing Act, authored by Sen. Josh Becker and co-sponsored by DignityMoves, clarifies the role of ISH in state programs, addresses legal ambiguities, and extends streamlining provisions. This legislation supports cities in adopting the ISH model rapidly and effectively.

How can I support DignityMoves and ISH initiatives?

You can support DignityMoves by visiting their website to learn more about volunteer opportunities, donations, and advocacy efforts to help end unsheltered homelessness.

Contact

Richard Laermer
RLM Public Relations
dignity@rlmpr.com