San Jose Opens First Safe Sleeping Site With Concerns Over Heat and Safety

San Jose has opened its first safe sleeping site on East Taylor Street, offering 56 tents, including eight that are ADA accessible, to provide temporary shelter for people experiencing homelessness. The site, located near Watson Park and the Soccer Bowl, is designed to serve as both a safe sleeping location and a navigation center, with the goal of moving residents into permanent housing within about a month.

City officials modeled the program after San Diego’s larger safe sleeping site. However, that site is now facing a lawsuit from unhoused residents who allege the tents become dangerously hot, with temperatures reaching 110 degrees inside during the summer. San Jose is using tents from the same manufacturer, sparking concerns from homeless advocates who fear similar conditions may endanger residents, particularly those with disabilities.

While some community members welcome the site as a step toward helping unhoused residents, others have raised safety concerns. Austin Feeler, who lives across the street, worries the new site could lead to more problems in the neighborhood. “There have been fires right here, like right in front of the house,” he said, referencing past incidents involving unsheltered individuals camping nearby.

The safe sleeping site’s opening comes as San Jose continues to clear encampments at Columbus Park, relocating people to five motels across the city. Mayor Matt Mahan responded to concerns with a statement emphasizing that the project is a pilot program. “These sites only succeed if they provide a clearly better and safer alternative to unmanaged encampments,” he said.

City officials say the site will be closely evaluated to determine whether it can serve as a sustainable model for addressing homelessness in San Jose while balancing safety, health, and community concerns.

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