Cupertino joins West Valley cities in MOU for homelessness shelter feasibility study

The Cupertino City Council convened on April 2, 2025, to discuss a significant memorandum of understanding (MOU) aimed at addressing homelessness in the region. The MOU involves a collaborative feasibility study with four other West Valley cities—Campbell, Saratoga, Los Gatos, and Monte Sereno—to explore the potential for developing temporary housing and emergency shelters for the unhoused.

During the meeting, Ben Phu, the director of community development, introduced senior housing coordinator Nikki Vu, who presented data highlighting the urgent need for shelter in Cupertino. Currently, all 50 unhoused individuals in Cupertino are unsheltered, underscoring a critical gap in services. Vu noted that while Santa Clara County has approximately 10,000 unhoused individuals, 75% of them are unsheltered, with Cupertino lacking any year-round public shelter facilities.

The proposed study aims to assess the specific needs of the unhoused population in Cupertino and the surrounding areas. It will also evaluate the feasibility of various types of shelters, including emergency shelters, navigation centers, and supportive housing. Vu emphasized that the study is essential not only for addressing immediate needs but also for fulfilling the city’s obligations under California Fair Housing laws.

The city of Campbell will lead the study, managing the consultant agreement and funding the effort with a budget of $99,000. Cupertino's participation will involve providing data and insights to the consultant, with no financial contribution required from the city. The study is expected to be completed by August 2025.

Council members expressed concerns about the adequacy of existing county resources and the potential for duplicating efforts with the county's continuum of care. They highlighted the importance of understanding how funding and services are distributed among the cities and the county, particularly in light of the significant property tax contributions from Cupertino compared to the services received.

Public comments during the meeting reflected a mix of support and apprehension. Residents voiced concerns about the impact of homelessness on community safety and the need for effective solutions that do not disproportionately burden Cupertino. Some expressed hope that the feasibility study would lead to increased resources and support from the county for the West Valley cities.

As the city moves forward with this collaborative effort, the outcomes of the feasibility study will be crucial in shaping Cupertino's approach to homelessness and ensuring that the needs of the unhoused are met effectively and compassionately.