Demolition will begin soon at 2202 Soquel Ave. in Santa Cruz, the future site of a 32-bed homeless center. Construction aims to conclude this fall, with the shelter to open in early 2026.
The facility, a part of Santa Cruz County’s Behavioral Health Bridge Housing Program, will provide temporary housing and on-site behavioral services to individuals experiencing homelessness and behavioral issues. It will also offer transition support for individuals seeking permanent housing. It will not provide any walk-up services.
Nonprofit Housing Matters will manage and operate the facility. It will feature LifeArk modular units, combining private living spaces with communal gathering and dining areas.
“This facility will serve as a critical resource for some of the most vulnerable members of our community, offering stability, care and a path to permanent housing,” said Mónica Morales, director of health services. “We are committed to fast-tracking these services to make a meaningful difference.”
The shelter is one of three centers coming to Santa Cruz County to help unhoused individuals transition into long-term housing. Funding comes from a $10.2 million grant from the California Department of Health Care Services, with additional support from Whole Person Care Housing Pilot funds and Measure K, the sales tax increase passed by county voters in March 2024.
For more information on the Behavioral Health Bridge Housing Program, please visit www.santacruzhealth.org/bridgehousing.
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