SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, Calif. (KION-TV) — Construction is scheduled to begin in early April on a new transitional housing facility at 2202 Soquel Avenue in Santa Cruz County. Backed by a $10 million grant from the California Department of Health Care Services, the bridge housing center will offer 32 beds and provide services to individuals experiencing homelessness and behavioral health challenges.

County leaders see this development as a pivotal step in addressing the region’s homelessness crisis. The facility is designed not just to provide shelter, but to connect people with services that promote long-term stability and independence.

“This facility will serve as a critical resource for some of the most vulnerable members of our community,” the county said in a statement.

Aiming for Real Solutions

Officials point to the success of similar programs in other parts of California as evidence the strategy can work. In Alameda County, for example, 70 percent of participants in comparable transitional housing projects eventually moved into permanent housing — a figure Santa Cruz hopes to replicate or improve upon.

Supporters of the project argue that addressing homelessness requires comprehensive efforts that include housing, mental health support, and substance use treatment — all services that will be offered at the new facility.

Community Concern and Pushback

Despite the county’s optimism, the project has sparked concern among residents, especially those who live near the proposed site.

“Something needs to be done about the homeless situation. It seems like the more money we throw at it, the worse it gets,” said Jeff Goyard, a Soquel resident. His view reflects a growing frustration among community members who feel that previous investments in homelessness solutions have failed to yield meaningful results.

Santa Cruz resident Ryan Barden also weighed in, citing his own experience with similar projects.

“We built a certain unhoused community near Costco in Santa Cruz a while back, and it didn’t turn out well because of the drugs,” Barden said. “Sometimes pouring money into things doesn’t always solve the problem, but also not doing anything about it doesn’t help either. So I think we have to figure out a solution to get people off the streets.”

Bridging the Gap — Or Deepening the Divide?

The new facility, often referred to as “bridge housing,” is designed as a short-term solution that helps individuals transition from homelessness into more stable, long-term living environments. It will include wraparound services such as behavioral health care, case management, and access to permanent housing pathways.

However, concerns about safety, property values, and neighborhood impact remain top of mind for some residents. Opponents have urged county leaders to provide greater transparency about operations, safety protocols, and success metrics to reassure the community.

At the same time, homelessness advocates are urging patience and compassion, noting that a lack of local services often leaves vulnerable populations with few options beyond streets, vehicles, or encampments.

What Comes Next

With construction expected to begin in April, the county plans to hold additional meetings to engage the public, answer questions, and explain how the facility will operate. County leaders say their priority is creating a program that is both compassionate and effective, while also being responsive to community concerns.

As the debate continues, one thing remains clear: Santa Cruz County, like many other communities across California, is still searching for the right balance between public safety, community needs, and humane solutions for the unhoused.

On the other hand, some residents, like Sandra Godinez Guerrero, support the facility's development. "Estaría super bien eso que está haciendo el gobierno," (It would be really good what the government is doing), she commented, stressing the importance of shelters to address the homelessness crisis in the area.

Ryan Barden also acknowledged the need for such programs, saying, "I know that I'm willing to pay some money of my taxes to help people. Of course, I mean, we have to have social safety nets. I think we all agree with that. But I think helping out the most in need, who are the homeless, is necessary."

The county hopes to open the new bridge housing facility in the early months of 2026, as part of its ongoing efforts to tackle homelessness and provide much-needed support to the unhoused population.

Originally reported by Jose.romo in Kion 546 news.