FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 10, 2022
Media Contact:
Rachel Davis, Chief Communications Officer, Office of Mayor Sam Liccardo, rachel.davis@sanjoseca.gov
SAN JOSÉ, CA – San José Mayor Sam Liccardo released the following statement after Governor Newsom’s latest announcement of state Homekey awards, including $25.2 million for San José’s purchase of the Arena Hotel in downtown San José:
“In 2016, San José pioneered a new approach to housing our unhoused neighbors by buying and converting hotels and motels into dignified living accommodations for our most vulnerable residents. That model successfully moved thousands of San Joséans off the street. Governor Newsom’s commitment to invest in motel conversions statewide through Homekey gives us an opportunity to scale this solution. Thanks to him and the State of California for the most recent investment of $25.2 million for San José’s Homekey purchase, the Arena Hotel.”
The funds will be used to convert the 90-unit Arena Hotel to interim and future permanent housing for homeless individuals and couples. The site is located within a half mile of transit and other resources. San Jose also received $14.5 million from Homekey to purchase the SureStay Hotel in 2020.
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About the City of San José
With more than one million residents, San José comprises the 10th largest city in the United States, and one of its most diverse cities. San José’s transformation into a global innovation center in the heart of Silicon Valley has resulted in the world's greatest concentration of technology talent and development.
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