The city of San Jose and Santa Clara County reached an agreement Tuesday night that would allow the Hope Village homeless encampment to keep a site for up to six months.
The city-owned property is adjacent to the original Hope Village, which was erected just south of Mineta San Jose International Airport. The rent would be just $1, and the lease agreement would be temporary for up to six months.
"We are very grateful for their dedication in supporting our efforts to create a safe, dignified and secure place for people to live," Hope Village organizers wrote on Facebook.
The privately funded Hope Village emerged Sept. 8 at 1010 Ruff Drive and was served an eviction notice just two days later. On Monday, the camp moved down the street to a parking lot for a building that houses the local SEIU office.
County Supervisor Dave Cortese released a statement Tuesday, saying in part: "The urgency and importance of the houselessness crisis in Santa Clara County demands that all government institutions respond quickly and collaboratively, and I am encouraged by the City’s immediate willingness to work with the County on Hope Village to obtain a fair and humane resolution before the residents are forced to relocate again."
