ZZ Downtown San Jose Homeless Jobs and Training

ZZ SJDA formed in 1986 when business owners saw the need for greater representation in downtown San Jose. SJDA manages the Groundwerx services of the downtown assessment district (PBID) on behalf of the Downtown San Jose Property Owners’ Association, representing 1,100 downtown property owners. Groundwerx has provided enhanced cleaning, ambassador and image enhancement services resulting in improved vitality and increase property values in downtown San Jose since 2008.

ZZ Downtown Streets Team (DST) Mission Statement –Downtown Streets Team is ending homelessness by restoring the dignity and rebuilding the lives of unhoused men and women. Serving the community through work teams prepares members for permanent employment and housing. DST started in 2005 to address business owner concerns about panhandling and litter in Palo Alto, California. DST developed a successful “work- first” model to recruit homeless individuals into their volunteer work program through peer-to-peer outreach.

ZZ New Partnership formed July 1, 2014 San Jose Downtown Association + Downtown Streets Team + Housing Department, City of San Jose = Homeless Jobs and Training

ZZ HJT Program Basics Team members work side-by-side with Groundwerx and receive hands-on training and learn skills in cleaning and maintenance. Daily tasks include scrubbing and wiping, debris removal, graffiti abatement, sidewalk sweeping and light landscaping. Participants receive a stipend in gift cards to help cover basic needs, and take advantage of DST’s case management and employment services to find housing and jobs.

ZZ Project Budget ExpenseAmountSource* Downtown Streets Team services / vouchers $83,000CSJ-Housing Cleaning supplies / equipment $9,000CSJ-Housing Debris removal$7,300CSJ-Housing Fuel$6,300CSJ-Housing Uniforms$2,200CSJ-Housing 1 st Year = $108,000 * CSJ-Housing funds are from the City’s overall homeless outreach project budget

ZZ Results: July May participants 25 percent of unhoused participants get into housing 80 percent remain in housing 9 volunteers hired; 5 by Groundwerx 5 others in interview process “I am extremely grateful for the opportunities provided by Downtown Streets Team and Groundwerx” -- Christina Ruiz

ZZ Community Benefits Cleaner overall environment Response time to spills and messes faster Property owners notice the difference. Annual survey shows improvements in: - Overall image - Beautification projects - Overall satisfaction in downtown cleanliness

ZZ Outlook CSJ Housing committed to second year Budget: $142,000 Program expanding: - From two to three teams - Third team works weekends DST considering offers from BIDs in other cities

ZZ Program in the news

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ZZ How does HJT measure to IDA criteria? Innovation: Simple, efficient, effective program Representation: Partnership creates a paradigm shift – perceived downtown liability becomes community asset Replicated: Model being considered by other cities Sustainable: –High demand on the streets for HJT participation –City, state, federal dollars available for quality homeless programs with measurable results