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HomeFirst and Housing Industry Foundation Complete Major Renovation at Santa Clara County’s Largest Homeless Shelter 

HomeFirst and Housing Industry Foundation (HIF) are pleased to announce the completion of a $150,000+ renovation at the Boccardo Reception Center (BRC), Santa Clara County’s largest shelter.

January 17, 2025

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San Jose, CA – HomeFirst and Housing Industry Foundation (HIF) are pleased to announce the completion of a $150,000+ renovation at the Boccardo Reception Center (BRC), Santa Clara County’s largest shelter. The renovation was an in-kind donation, awarded by HIF to HomeFirst, the agency that manages the site. It will enhance delivery, functionality, and the client and staff experience at the congregate shelter, which houses 250 adults nightly. The completion of the renovation will be marked by a ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, January 24th, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at 2011 Little Orchard Street in San Jose.  

The two-part renovation project underscores the evolving best practices in congregate shelter care. Phase 1 increased privacy for individuals living in the shelter. Privacy panels were added to every bed, and panels between the bathrooms and main shelter floor were constructed to create greater separation between these spaces. Phase 2 involved painting the shelter interior and a complete overhaul of the BRC lobby. This included the addition of new offices and a bathroom, alongside upgrades to flooring, lighting, and furniture. The transformation now offers a more welcoming and functional space for the unhoused individuals living at the shelter and the staff providing critical support.   

  

“This renovation goes beyond simply improving the shelter’s appearance,” said HomeFirst CEO, René Ramirez. “It transforms the space into a welcoming environment that upholds the dignity and humanity of everyone who walks through our doors.”    

  

The renovation was an in-kind donation from HIF, which was made through the organization’s renovation program. HIF partnered with Project Champion Greystar (an HIF Board Member) and key vendors including Varsity Painting, Severin Group, CAMP Facility Services, and Commercial Fire Protection, to complete the project at no cost to HomeFirst. 

  

“HIF’s renovation program provides our partners in the multifamily housing industry the opportunity to give back to the community through high-quality, lasting renovations,” said Steve Sullivan, HIF’s Executive Director. “The renovations we provide allow organizations like HomeFirst to focus their funds on critical programming that supports community members in need.”   

  

Nearly 10,000 people are experiencing homelessness in Santa Clara County. With so many people in need of housing and recent policies making it easier for local governments to clear encampments, more individuals may seek shelter in the coming months. In this changing landscape, it is more important than ever for shelter operators to create welcoming spaces that draw in those interested in the services they offer. This renovation project and support from organizations like HIF and Greystar will help HomeFirst achieve this.  

 

About HomeFirst:   

HomeFirst is a nonprofit organization working passionately to end homelessness. We serve the Bay Area community through low-barrier programming (prevention, outreach, shelters, and interim and permanent housing programs) and systems leadership – meeting each person where they are by offering support and resources that address immediate and long-term housing needs.  

 

The Boccardo Reception Center provides unhoused individuals with a place to sleep and shower, 3 meals daily, and access to an array of supportive services 7 days a week, year-round. 

 

For more information about HomeFirst, visit homefirstscc.org.   

 

  

About Housing Industry Foundation (HIF):   

HIF prevents homelessness by leveraging the talent, resources, and relationships of the Multifamily Housing Industry to create direct impact for households and individuals in need through: Emergency financial support, the renovation of community shelters, and access to affordable housing. For more information about HIF, visit https://www.hifinfo.org/.   

 

 

About Greystar:  

Greystar is a leading, fully integrated real estate company, offering expertise in investment management, development, and management of rental housing properties globally. Greystar has been a key supporter of HIF and has served on its Board of Directors for almost 15 years. Their leadership, management and frontline employees, in collaboration with HIF, have made a tremendous impact in the community. For more information about Greystar, visit https://www.greystar.com/.  

 

 

 

   

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Media Contacts:   

   

HomeFirst   

Fiona Brodie, Communications and Media Manager   

Fbrodie@homefirstscc.org, (510)383-6170   

   

Housing Industry Foundation   

Christina Blackketter, Renovation Program Manager   

Christina@hifinfo.org, (408)444-7193  

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For donations, our Federal Tax ID #: 94-2684272

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