After planning, renovations, and a lengthy permitting process, Housing Matters is proud to announce the opening of Live Oak Landing, a new interim housing community that will provide shelter, support, and on-site services for individuals experiencing homelessness who are currently living in encampments in the Harvey West neighborhood.
The opening marks an important milestone in Santa Cruz County’s ongoing efforts to address unsheltered homelessness by creating safe, dignified places for people to stabilize while working toward permanent housing.
While renovations at Live Oak Landing were completed months ago, the community experienced an extended delay before participants could move in due to the time required to complete final permitting and occupancy approvals. Although these delays postponed the opening, Housing Matters remained committed to ensuring the project met all regulatory requirements and safety standards.
“We appreciate the collaboration of everyone who worked to bring this project across the finish line, said Phil Kramer, Housing Matters CEO. Today, our focus is on welcoming participants and helping them take the next step toward permanent housing.”
Live Oak Landing represents a significant investment by the State of California through the Encampment Resolution Fund, in partnership with the City of Santa Cruz and Housing Matters. Participants will have access to private accommodations, meals, case management, behavioral health support, housing navigation, employment assistance, and connections to healthcare and other critical services.
The goal is not simply to provide a safe place to stay, but to empower each participant to successfully transition into permanent housing.
Interim housing is a proven strategy for reducing unsheltered homelessness because it offers immediate safety and stability while giving service providers the opportunity to build relationships, address barriers to housing, and connect participants with the resources they need to move into permanent homes.
Live Oak Landing is one important part of Santa Cruz County’s broader homelessness response system, complementing permanent supportive housing, affordable housing development, and homelessness prevention efforts.
The project was made possible through the collaboration of public agencies, community partners, funders, neighbors, and advocates who shared a commitment to improving outcomes for people experiencing homelessness.
“We are deeply grateful to the funding partners, project team, neighbors, elected leaders, and community members who remained committed to this project throughout the process,” said Larry Imwalle, City of Santa Cruz, Director of Homelessness Response & Community Programs. “Live Oak Landing demonstrates what is possible when a community invests in practical, compassionate solutions that help people move from homelessness toward housing.”
Housing Matters will begin welcoming participants immediately, with move-ins occurring in phases over the coming weeks.
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Housing Matters is the largest provider of homelessness services in Santa Cruz County. Through shelter, street outreach, supportive services, interim housing, and permanent supportive housing programs, Housing Matters helps empower people on their pathway from homelessness to permanent, stable housing while advancing solutions that strengthen the entire community. Learn more at www.housingmatterssc.org or connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn.
TOP PHOTO: Santa Cruz Inn before being converted to Live Oak Landing