The Avenue Central Coast Realty MAY 2024 Real Estate Newsletter
SLO County Market Update & great read on “Welcome Home Village in SLO″
*INTERESTING FACT –
Coastal counties in the U.S. are home to almost 40% of the nation’s total population.
“WELCOME HOME VILLAGE”
In July 2023, the SLO County Board of Supervisors accepted a grant for $13.4 million from the state as part of the its Encampment Resolution Fund. The fund’s objective is to remove homeless encampments of critical concern throughout California. The city of SLO, along with the county, plan to use this grant to clean up sites along the Bob Jones Bike Trail, restoring the area for public recreation.
KEY PARTNERS
The County of San Luis Obispo Homeless Services Division will work with four key partners to launch the multi-phase project: the City of SLO will lead the expansion of outreach services to the Bob Jones Bike Trail area, DignityMoves will build a supportive housing community, LifeArk will build the modular homes, and Good Samaritan Shelter will manage the housing program.
THE VILLAGE
- Fully fenced with 24 hour staff and security cameras.
- No sex offenders or arsonists will be admitted.
- No drugs or alcohol allowed.
- Mandatory case management is required for each resident as well as mental health assessments, and job readiness training.
- Will include 80 beds featuring two types of residences: 34 interim supporting housing units and 46 permanent supportive housing units.
- Interim housing units share bathrooms and dining facilities. Permanent units offer private bathrooms and kitchenettes.
- All units will be fully-electric with a bed, storage, heating and A/C.
- The property will include communal laundry facilities, work-study areas, a small park, playground & dog run.
- Transportation will be provided to and from appointments with outside professionals including court-ordered activities, medical appointments and specialty support services.
- The project is up for final approval at the May 21st County Board of Supervisor’s meeting. If approved, site development & construction will begin this fall.
- The first program participants will be accepted in 2025.
LOCATION
Located in a parking lot near the intersection of Bishop St. and Johnson Ave., this area was chosen for its proximity to integrated supportive services. Those services include the County’s crisis stabilization unit, substance misuse disorder clinic, mental health treatment services & behavioral health care facilities.
BOB JONES BIKE TRAIL
Welcome Home Village is meant to reduce encampments near flood and fire danger zones located along the Bob Jones Bike Trail parallel to South Higuera Street. This area is home to one of the largest populations of unsheltered people in San Luis Obispo. It’s prone to natural disasters and is difficult for emergency vehicles to access. This project (deemed the Bob Jones Bike Trail Encampment Resolution Project) involves cleaning up San Luis Creek and expanding outreach to those living in the area.
SLO County currently hosts the 3rd largest percentage of unsheltered individuals nationwide, compared to other communities of its size.
FUNDING
The housing units will be funded by a grant from the California Interagency Council on Homelessness, covering the costs through June of 2026. After this date, operational costs are expected to be $1,854,699 annually. County staff is currently analyzing funding sources to ensure the project is supported well into the future.
