On January 24, 2025, Housing Industry Foundation (HIF) revealed its first completed renovation project of the year at the Boccardo Reception Center (BRC), Santa Clara’s largest shelter. The $233,550 renovation, awarded to HomeFirst by HIF, enhances both the functionality and atmosphere of the shelter, improving the experience for residents and staff alike.
The renovation was completed in two phases. Phase 1, launched in 2023, introduced privacy screens and partitions to improve living conditions in the congregate shelter. Phase 2, which began in summer 2024, focused on a comprehensive lobby transformation, including fresh paint, upgraded flooring, new lighting, modern furnishings, additional office space, and a new bathroom. These improvements have created a more welcoming and dignified environment for the individuals seeking refuge at BRC and the staff providing essential services.
“This renovation goes beyond simply improving the shelter’s appearance,” said HomeFirst CEO, René Ramirez. “It transforms the space into a welcoming environment that upholds the dignity and humanity of everyone who walks through our doors.”
With nearly 10,000 people experiencing homelessness in Santa Clara County, the demand for enhanced shelter capacity continues to grow. HIF’s Renovation Program provides no-cost renovations to nonprofit agencies offering temporary, transitional, and permanent housing, ensuring safer and more functional spaces for individuals and families in need. For this project, HIF partnered with Corporate Champion Greystar, along with key vendors including Varsity Painting, Severin Group, CAMP Facility Services, ProFloors, and Commercial Fire Protection.
About Housing Industry Foundation (HIF):HIF prevents homelessness by leveraging the talent, resources, and relationships of the Multifamily Housing Industry to create direct impact for households and individuals in need through: Emergency financial support, the renovation of community shelters, and access to affordable housing. For more information about HIF, visit https://www.hifinfo.org/.
About HomeFirst:
HomeFirst is a nonprofit organization working passionately to end homelessness. We serve the Bay Area community through low-barrier programming (prevention, outreach, shelters, and interim and permanent housing programs) and systems leadership – meeting each person where they are by offering support and resources that address immediate and long-term housing needs. For more information on HomeFirst, visit homefirstscc.org.
About Greystar:Greystar is a leading, fully integrated real estate company, offering expertise in investment management, development, and management of rental housing properties globally. Greystar has been a key supporter of HIF and has served on its Board of Directors for almost 15 years. Their leadership, management and frontline employees, in collaboration with HIF, have made a tremendous impact on the community. For more information about Greystar, visit https://www.greystar.com/.
