Aptos church addresses concerns over new housing project near Seacliff Park

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (KION-TV) --The Episcopal Church of St. John the Baptist in Aptos is taking steps to address the local housing crisis.

The project has generated a mixed response from the community, with many raising questions about safety and who exactly this new housing is for.

A ten unit building will sit on the far corner of the church property, funded by a $1.1 million grant from the Central Coast Alliance for Health, which is tied to Medicaid, meaning residents must meet Medicaid eligibility.

The plan has received mixed reviews.

“They're afraid about drug dealing. Afraid about the park and kids. This is not the population that's going to be living on this campus,” Jon Showalter said.

Jon Showalter, a member of the church’s core committee, said this project isn’t for people currently living on the streets, but for low income workers.

“This is for people working at restaurants, as well as people who may be coming out of homelessness,” Jon Showalter said.

Because the church has long worked with unhoused individuals, Showalter clarified that this housing is not for those who are currently unsheltered.

“We're helping women with children and the elderly,” Jon Showalter said.

The project is designed for those priced out by rising rents.

“People are falling out of housing because the rents are going up and they cannot afford it. Wages are going up, but rents are. This project we're going to build is targeted for people who receive Medicaid eligibility,” Jon Showalter said.

The church has a long history of serving the unhoused.

“We help prepare them to come out of homelessness into housing. We also, twice a week, have a shower trailer here, which is open to all the homeless people in Aptos. Come clean, come get clean,” Jon Showalter said.

The project will move forward under Senate Bill 4, a state law that allows religious institutions to build housing on their property.

“Senate Bill 4 is a law that has recently gone into effect that facilitates building housing on the property of religious institutions. And so that's the protocol we're using through the planning process,” Eliza Linley said.

Some residents say this type of supportive housing is exactly what the community needs.

“It’s a way for them to be here for a while, get more services, and get some stability into their lives instead of having to wait,” Janet Dancan said.

While others online have expressed concerns about safety, especially with the parks and nearby homes.

“If we can help them, we will. But they're not going to be trash. It’s not going to be trucks. It's not going to be fencing. It's not going to be homeless people with their sleeping bags, hanging out, watching kids skateboard. It's not going to be that,” Jon Showalter said.

The church says the property will be professionally managed.

“There'll be somebody in charge of the property, the property manager for the interviewing and placement of people, and the upkeep of the building itself. Part of the grant includes an expectation that those who come out of homelessness will have at least six months of case management,” Jon Showalter said.

Church leaders say they hope to get things started by Spring 2026, with people moving in by early 2027.