Santa Cruz County discusses use for $2.2 million given for homeless housing

ANTA CRUZ, CALIF (KION-TV)-  Governor Gavin Newsom awarded $2.2 million to help tackle homelessness in Santa Cruz County.

The money will transform a building that was once a medical office into a multi-occupant home, as CEO of Housing Matters Phil Kramer explains.

“These units, these seven units, will provide housing for folks,” Kramer said. “And those individuals that will be connected with supportive services. So case management and other types of services that will benefit them.”

This new unit is direct across from the Housing Matter’s office. 

The Santa Cruz County Housing for Health website states the project was supposed to be finished in June.

What’s causing the delays? CIO Mer Stafford gives some insight.

“The main issues really are supply chain issues,” Stafford said. “One part in particular for the building. Other than that, I think we would’ve been much closer to on time.”

Housing Matters is staying patient, though, because they know the end result.

“There’s been extenuating circumstances because of COVID and because of what’s happening in the economy and in the world right now,” Stafford said. “I think it's been truly an exercise in patience for all of us.”

“We had to be patient in the midst of COVID and supply chain issues and all the delays,” Kramer said. “The house, we’re really excited. It’s gonna come on the market and hopefully be occupied this spring.”

KION also spoke to neighboring businesses who didn't want to go on camera.

They told us that while they're not against the homekey site, they have concerns. Housing Matters says it works with the community to get their feedback.

Housing Matters plans to start another spring project, aiming to create 120 units for those in need.