Downtown Streets Team highlights impact of workforce program in Sunnyvale

Sunnyvale's City Council meeting on May 6, 2025, highlighted the impactful collaboration between the Downtown Streets Team and Sunnyvale Community Services, which has significantly contributed to community beautification and workforce development. The council received an update from Erica Laguna, the Santa Clara County Director for the Downtown Streets Team, who detailed the program's achievements since its inception in February 2012.

Laguna reported that the initiative has served 380 participants, with 33 individuals securing housing and 76 maintaining employment for over 90 days. The program has also removed over 32,000 gallons of debris and collected more than 823,000 cigarette butts, showcasing its dual focus on environmental cleanup and job readiness for vulnerable populations.

The council expressed gratitude for the program's success and acknowledged the importance of continued funding. The Housing and Human Service Commission recommended ongoing financial support for the workforce program into the next fiscal year, emphasizing its role in assisting those facing homelessness and other challenges.

In response to a question from Council Member Chang regarding changes within the Downtown Streets Team, Laguna noted significant leadership updates and an expansion of the workforce development program. This expansion allows the team to provide employment opportunities to individuals who are unhoused or reentering society after incarceration, further enhancing their community impact.

The meeting underscored the city's commitment to supporting programs that not only beautify Sunnyvale but also empower its residents, paving the way for a more inclusive and sustainable community.