Yes on shelters. No on permanent subsidies
Hello all,
Members of UHA are the only source of non-subsidized affordable housing in San Jose. As such, we are experts at successfully providing housing and running small businesses.
This gives us a special insight into the debate at City Hall over Measure E funds. The majority of those funds should be allocated to Mahan’s immediate “housing-now” proposal so as to get more people, faster, off the streets; rather than continuing with the failing Housing First strategy.
It's important to note, that when the San Jose Housing Department (SJHD) says "Affordable Housing" what they really mean is taxpayer-subsidized-housing. When the nonprofits say "Affordable Housing" what they really mean is, give them money to build one apartment for $1.1.M. The Housing First policies, started in 2011, have not reduced our homeless population despite millions of dollars.
The encampments continue to be especially bad for our business because they make San Jose and our apartments -- far less desirable places to live. The fires, the refuse, and the trespasses on our properties all impact our success and ability to do business in San Jose.
It's time for a new direction.
As small business, housing provider experts, this is what we would do to solve this crisis:
Provide immediate low-cost shelter-stability for those living in encampments.
Offer City rental vouchers to make sure those in need can stay in their apartments.
As a result, The United Housing Alliance asks you to attend the meeting at City Hall today and voice your strong support for Mayor Mahan's budget proposal to offer “housing-now” rather than overpriced, subsidized housing years later.
Thank you,
Irene
Zoom - Join SJ Budget at 6pm Monday
Email during the meeting - councilmeeting@sanjoseca.gov
