The Behavioral Health Bridge House (BHBH) program, operated but not owned by Housing Matters, addresses another critical need: the intersection of homelessness and behavioral health. This 32-bed center in mid-county will provide interim housing with integrated behavioral health services provided by the County of Santa Cruz. Developed with input from people with lived experience. This center is designed for individuals whose behavioral health needs have been a barrier to accessing care and housing. It will be the first of its kind in Santa Cruz County and will operate through a referral system.
Behavioral Health Bridge House
32
NUMBER OF BEDS
AVAILABLE IN 2026
6
MONTHS EXPECTED
AVERAGE LENGTH OF STAY
60-80
NUMBER OF PEOPLE WE EXPECT TO SERVE EACH YEAR ONCE FULLY OPERATIONAL
Our Service Model
Our goal is to provide a safe space for treatment and recovery while creating a pathway to long-term housing. Many people can stabilize, begin healing, and exit homelessness in less restrictive, community-based care settings. Our services will help promote recovery by providing person-centered, culturally responsive, and trauma-informed care.
- The BHBH Center will offer both on-site 24/7 resident service operated by a third-party contractor and a full array of behavioral health services provided by the Santa Cruz County Integrated Housing and Recovery Team (IHART)
- BHBH will feature space to support on-site health care services.
- Staff will provide comprehensive services to individuals as they transition from homelessness to permanent housing and ensure they have the tools and resources they need to remain stably housed and healthy.
Eligibility
As required by the state, this new program will prioritize access to individuals participating in the Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment (CARE) plan.
- Secondary priority will go to individuals with histories of frequent utilization of crisis and inpatient behavioral health services with long histories of homelessness.
- It is expected that BHBH will help 60-80 Santa Cruz residents each year, with an average stay of six months. However, individuals may be able to secure permanent housing sooner than this timeframe.
Amenities
- Individual and double units
- Internet
- Partners/pets welcome
- Bike racks
- Heat/AC in each unit
- Multi-purpose room
- Operable windows/blinds
- 24/7 security
Project Funding
$10.2 million grant from the California Department of Health Care Service, secured by Santa Cruz County Behavioral Health. Total construction cost=$5.4 million.