San Jose Breaks Ground on 74-Bed Sober-Living Transitional Housing, Aligning with HUD Secretary's Vision

San Jose, CA – The Salvation Army Silicon Valley has broken ground on a new 74-bed sober-living interim housing site in San Jose, a development highlighted by social media user T Wolf 🌁 as a model for addressing homelessness. The project, named HOPE Community Safe and Sober Overnight and Transitional Housing, was announced on November 3, 2025, and aims to provide a drug-free environment for unhoused men and women.

T Wolf 🌁 directly addressed U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Scott Turner on social media, stating, "> Hi @SecretaryTurner. Look what's happening in San Jose, CA. Transitional housing in a drug free environment. This is how we end homelessness together!" This tweet underscores a growing alignment between local initiatives and the federal administration's emphasis on recovery-oriented solutions.

Secretary Turner, appointed in February 2025, has consistently advocated for a "paradigm shift" in addressing homelessness, moving away from a "Housing First" approach that does not mandate sobriety. His policies prioritize addressing substance use disorder and mental health issues, often through faith-based organizations and environments that require sobriety, echoing the principles of the new San Jose facility. Turner has stated that "housing solutions alone will never solve homelessness," emphasizing a holistic approach.

The Salvation Army's new facility in San Jose will offer a structured environment for individuals seeking to overcome addiction and secure stable housing. This initiative complements existing efforts in San Jose, where organizations like LifeMoves and CityTeam Ministries also offer transitional housing and recovery programs, some with explicit drug-free requirements. The City of San Jose itself operates several interim housing communities, though not all explicitly mandate sobriety.

Local officials, including San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, have been actively pursuing diverse solutions to homelessness, including temporary housing structures like tiny homes. The Salvation Army's project represents a significant step in providing specialized support for recovery, with the organization reporting that 77% of its program graduates have successfully maintained housing. This development reflects a collaborative effort between local government, non-profits, and community leaders to tackle the complex challenges of homelessness with a focus on long-term recovery and self-sufficiency.