Community outraged over proposal to create housing for homeless in San Jose neighborhood

SAN JOSE, Calif. (KGO) -- People in one South San Jose neighborhood are outraged over the proposal for a new communal housing development right next to their homes.

They're now taking their fight to city hall. The site in question is just across Almaden Expressway, not far from pricey Willow Glen and Communications Hill.

Just about everyone at the Catalonia Apartments knows one another, has a family, and hates the idea of a homeless development being built on the other side of this fence.

"It's like right in our back yard. We don't know their background, we don't know, we just know they're homeless," said Elaine Trujillo

This six-acre parcel belongs to the city of San Jose. The Housing Department recommends building portables with communal kitchens and bathrooms with space for a 170 people.

"When they said this might be a place for homeless people, it just doesn't seem appealing to me at all," said Rafael Manlapas, an nearby resident.

"I'm for it, if they could find a better location," said Eric Jennings.

There are 6,000 homeless in San Jose, and 700 beds. Arlene Herrera is an outreach volunteer. She thinks this lot is perfect.

"They're people just like we are. They need love like we do, we're all family. They're someone's family," said Arlene Herrera, an outreach volunteer.

In the meantime, opponents have taken their concerns to their city councilman.

"You try to put it somewhere, there is always push back," said San Jose City councilman Pierluigi Oliverio

The public can still comment on the impact the proposed site could have on the environment until next Thursday.