17 Jul County Opens Supportive Housing Complex for Disabled, Unhoused Adults

“This project connects people in desperate need with quality housing and services to improve their health,” Supervisor John Gioia said at a press conference for the opening of a permanent supportive housing complex in San Pablo.

Story and photos by Ana Tellez-Witrago

Contra Costa County is set to launch a significant initiative in its ongoing battle against homelessness with the opening of El Portal Place, a permanent supportive housing complex slated to welcome chronically homeless residents — people who are disabled and have been unhoused for more than a year — and their pets.

Located at 2555 El Portal Drive in San Pablo, the complex will offer 54 micro-unit apartments tailored to homeless adults whom the county’s coordinated entry system has already identified and selected due to their need for wrap-around services. 

“This project connects people in desperate need with quality housing and services to improve their health,” said Contra Costa County Supervisor John Gioia, whose district encompasses San Pablo, at a press conference Saturday for the grand opening.

This is the county’s first facility explicitly designed to support individuals meeting federal chronic homelessness criteria. These people frequently encounter difficulties maintaining independent permanent housing due to disabilities and prolonged homelessness.

Residents are expected to move into their new housing in November. Each unit has amenities such as air conditioning and heating, a kitchenette, an accessible bathroom and a workspace. The facility also has communal spaces, including a community room, courtyard and dog park.

Hope Solutions, in partnership with the county health department, will oversee round-the-clock wrap-around services, offering financial and employment assistance, healthcare navigation, and support for mental health and substance abuse issues. The complex will accommodate pets, and several units are designed for couples.

“This project exemplifies equity and promotes improved health outcomes for our residents,” said Gioia. He acknowledged strong collaboration with the city of San Pablo and continued support from Gov. Gavin Newsom.

San Pablo Mayor Patricia Ponce also highlighted the collaborative effort that transformed a once-vacant building and lot into this permanent supportive housing facility, emphasizing the significant role played by the state, county, city and construction teams.

“Every partnership, collaboration, and innovative solution is critical as we navigate this profound challenge,” said Anna Roth, chief executive officer of Contra Costa Health.

El Portal Place follows the successful establishment of Delta Landing in Pittsburg in 2022, making it the second Homekey facility in Contra Costa County.

“We are mindful of those relying on projects like this to regain the opportunity to live their fullest lives,” Roth said.

Funding for El Portal Place totals $21.2 million, with $5.2 million coming from Contra Costa’s Measure X, a 1/2-cent sales tax approved by county voters in 2020, and an additional $16 million grant from the California Homekey program.

 According to the county’s latest point-in-time survey, conducted in January, an estimated 2,843 people experienced homelessness on a given night, reflecting a 19% increase from the previous year. During the same period, the county has expanded its daily capacity of temporary and permanent housing beds by 26%. 

As tenants prepare to move in later this year, El Portal Place symbolizes hope, stability and progress in the ongoing effort to combat homelessness. Like the once-vacant building that is now repurposed, this project offers individuals not only a home but also a place to rebuild their lives and give themselves new purpose.