San Jose has taken a transformative step in supporting young adults facing housing insecurity with the grand opening of Sunrise Pavilion, a new affordable housing community dedicated to transitional-age youth (TAY). This project is a collaboration between the Santa Clara County Housing Authority, the City of San Jose, and Jamboree Housing Corporation, and it offers much more than a safe place to live—it’s a foundation for future stability and success.

Sunrise Pavilion is designed to support each resident with access to resources and services that nurture career growth and life skills, with November’s Youth HOPE Month further emphasizing the importance of such initiatives for young adults facing homelessness.

At the heart of Sunrise Pavilion is The Workforce Center, an onsite hub focused on career guidance and educational support. Residents like Emiliana Solis are already expressing gratitude and hope. “I feel blessed that I don’t have to carry the weight of wondering where I’ll sleep tonight,” shared Solis. “This gives me a chance to breathe, to rebuild, and to focus on my dreams.”

Tackling TAY Homelessness: A Community Effort

Homelessness among TAY often results from the challenges associated with leaving foster care and limited access to affordable housing. In fact, nearly 35% of homeless youth have experienced the foster system. Transitional-age youth, moving into adulthood, find themselves at a crossroads with limited housing options, resulting in sporadic or permanent homelessness.

Preston Prince, Executive Director of the Santa Clara County Housing Authority, recognizes the urgency of this issue. “The Housing Authority is committed to creating spaces like Sunrise Pavilion where young adults can find hope and opportunity to live authentically in a safe environment,” he said.

A Vision of Support and Stability

Jamboree Housing Corporation’s CEO, Laura Archuleta, highlighted how Sunrise Pavilion reflects Jamboree’s mission to break the cycle of homelessness. “We not only provide affordable housing, but also access to healthy food, health services, and career support through The Workforce Center,” she explained.

The Workforce Center at Sunrise Pavilion is more than just a resource—it’s a lifeline. By partnering with local employers, educational institutions, and community organizations, The Center offers career counseling, personalized mentorship, and guidance toward college or trade school, all with the goal of helping TAY achieve economic independence.

Professional Support for Every Step Forward

Through a collaborative approach, Jamboree’s Community Impact Team and the Bill Wilson Center provide onsite services for Sunrise Pavilion residents, with a focus on life skills education, financial literacy, and personalized case management. Josh Selo, CEO of the Bill Wilson Center, praised the project as “a bright spot amid the ongoing housing crisis in our community.” He hopes this is just the beginning of many more such initiatives.

A Partnership Made Possible by Local Investment

Sunrise Pavilion was transformed from the Pavilion Inn, an outdated motel, into a welcoming community thanks to $14.3 million in Homekey funding from California. Additional funding from local government agencies, including $8.7 million from Santa Clara County Housing Authority and $2.3 million from the City of San Jose, enabled the project to reach its completion. San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan views Sunrise Pavilion as part of a broader “all-of-the-above approach” to ending encampments and providing safe, stable housing options.

A Foundation for Change

With 42 units dedicated to TAY, Sunrise Pavilion isn’t just about housing—it’s about creating a future. The supportive resources available onsite aim to help residents develop career goals and access education, giving them a pathway to long-term stability. It’s a testament to what’s possible when communities come together, and a reminder that, with the right resources, young adults facing homelessness can find a future filled with hope and opportunity.