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$16.5 Million San Jose Family Shelter Re-Opens Its Doors To Those In Need

SAN JOSE (KCBS) — A new $16.5 million shelter for homeless families is opening its doors this week in San Jose, replacing an old facility.

35 families will soon take up temporary residence in a 50,000 square-foot facility has larger rooms than the old San Jose Family Shelter. Families will also get their own bathrooms.

"Everybody has their own bathroom which is a huge difference, because going to the bathroom in the middle of the night with the whole family can be a real drag," said executive director Trish Crowder.

KCBS' Matt Bigler Reports:

The five-story shelter also includes a rooftop rose garden and a contemplation courtyard.

"It's a quiet place to sit with your child and just hear sounds," Crowder said, explaining the tranquility.

She admitted there is the potential that with this nice, new facility people won't want to leave, but that they have to and are only allowed to stay for 90 days. After three months, 75 percent of families are able to move into permanent housing.

"We are always full it doesn't matter what's going on. There are enough people that need our services," she said.

After years of fundraising, a large portion of for the shelter came from the city, but Crowder said they still need money for programs.

(Copyright 2012 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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