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Live Oak Landing is made possible through a partnership with the City and County of Santa Cruz and the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) Encampment Resolution Funding (ERF) program.

20

BEDS FOR
ADULTS AND
COUPLES

24/7

TRAINED STAFF &
SECURITY

2026

7/9/26
FIRST GUESTS
MOVE IN

About Interim Housing and Stability

Live Oak Landing provides Interim housing as part of the Encampment Resolution Program (ERP) to support people transitioning out of encampments on their pathway to permanent, stable housing.

A safe and stable place to live while individuals work towards securing stable housing reduces the stress and vulnerability associated with experiencing homelessness.

Are you looking for services? Click here to learn more.

Benefits of Interim Housing

  • Reduced Reliance on Emergency Services
    • By providing stable interim housing, people are less likely to rely on emergency services like hospitals and urgent care to stay healthy.
  • Supportive Services
    • Guests will receive comprehensive case management, housing navigation, supportive services, three meals daily, private space, laundry and access to the rich array of resources available to all Housing Matters participants.
  • Pathway to Stable Housing
    • The ultimate goal of interim housing is to help individuals transition into permanent, stable housing, offering a crucial step in the journey to ending homelessness. And ending homelessness for a member of our community is a win for everyone.

Referral to Live Oak Landing

Referrals to the program will be through the Housing Matters Encampment Resolution Program (ERP) and then filtered through County Behavioral Health.

Live Oak Landing is a referral-based shelter which means that there will be no drop-in services on site.

We hope all residential neighbors will take pride in welcoming our guests and upholding shared values of dignity, respect, and fair treatment for all people. By creating a safe and supportive community, residents and neighbors alike help create an environment where everyone can live comfortably.

With ERP and the Behavioral Health Bridge Housing, we’re addressing people experiencing homelessness who were otherwise falling through the cracks. This is our chance to end homelessness for the people we see day-to-day. To have a place to rest, a door that locks, and a place to do laundry can change a person’s approach to life. That is what Live Oak Landing does, it provides the foundation for a person to thrive in stable [interim] housing."

Evyn Robles, director of campus/housing, housing matters

Frequently Asked Questions

We have established a Live Oak Landing Advisory Group comprised of 12 volunteers from the neighborhood plus representatives from the Sheriff’s department, the Housing For Health Division, the Live Oak Landing Program Manager, and other Housing Matters staff.

Please reach out to Mer Stafford, Chief Impact Officer, Housing Matters if you’d like to participate.

Housing Matters owns and operates Live Oak Landing. There will be an onsite Program Manager, case managers, direct service coordinators, a substance use specialist and mental health specialists.

On average, program participants will stay for 6 months.

Many safety protocols will be implemented:

  • Property Improvements
  • 24/7 trained staff (once occupied)
  • New fencing – Front and Back

Live Oak Landing is Housing Matters second standalone referral-based interim program. We encourage concerned neighbors to drive by the Recuperative Care Center located at 510 Leibrandt Ave. (formerly the Salt Air Lodge).

We expect a positive impact for nearby residents and businesses. The former Santa Cruz Inn was in disrepair. Numerous upgrades will improve safety and curb appeal:

  • Enhanced security – CCTV and Surveillance during construction
  • Fobbed Entrance Gate
  • Room Updates – New paint, LVT flooring, toilets, bedbug-free furniture
  • Pest Control
  • New Fencing – Front and Back
  • Exterior paint
  • 24/7 trained staff (once occupied)

Participants of Housing Matters programs must adhere to agreements which include respecting others and maintaining a safe space. If participants are not in compliance with these agreements, they risk being permanently exited from our programs and services.

Research and city data indicate that interim housing does not increase crime. In San Jose, for example, police reports for drug possession, property crimes, assault, graffiti, fires, and illegal dumping decreased at most shelter sites, and no felonies were reported. Providing safe, stable shelter often reduces the need for survival-driven crimes.

The Live Oak Service Center of the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Department and will be our point of contact. They will also be participating in the Live Oak Landing Advisory Group.