Over the weekend, Contra Costa County officials unveiled a new residential complex for homeless residents.
It’s something that’s happening across the Bay Area, but in this case, it involved converting empty offices into places for people to live.
For years, homeless advocates have talked about turning unused office space in San Francisco into housing. In San Pablo, they’ve done it.
“I am so proud to be here as we celebrate the opening of what is a model project to really help solve homelessness in our community,” said Contra Costa Supervisor John Gioia.
On Saturday, officials celebrated the completion of El Portal Place, a 54-unit complex of permanent supportive housing for the homeless. It will be operated by the county’s Health Department and will feature on-site case managers, mental health services, and even includes a small dog park so clients can keep their pets with them.
The county initially planned to demolish an old building they own next door for the project.