The City of Milpitas Emergency Motel Stays Program provides short, limited stays for Milpitas unhoused individuals, when medical or environmental conditions make it unsafe for the individual to remain overnight outside. This program falls under the Recreation and Community Services Department but operates in collaboration with the Building Safety and Housing Department and Police Department.

The following framework guides City Staff in the approval of emergency hotel stays. Further, below please find the flow chart outlining the assessment, reporting, and placement process staff follows.

Emergency Motel Stays Program Guidelines

  • Motel Stays are intended to be short-term and provide 1-3 nights, depending on situation, until medical or environmental conditions improve, or a more suitable long-term situation can be arranged.
  • Motel Stays are administered by the City and funded via grants and donations from local businesses and organizations. Reimbursements for motel stays sponsored by other organizations or individuals are not administered by the City.
  • Motel Stays are only granted after the Social Services Coordinator or a Police Officer has evaluated the situation including but not limited to assessing whether the potential program participant meets the HUD guidelines for very low income level; is receiving public benefits such as Medi-Cal or Cal Fresh; has been unhoused within City limits; and confirmed that it is unsafe for the individual to remain outside overnight due to medical conditions or a recent discharge from a hospital.
  • After an assessment is made by the Social Services Coordinator or responding Police officer, City staff arranges directly with the Motel to pay for the motel rooms. No vouchers or money are given to program participants.
  • In most cases, Motel Stays are intended for a single individual. Minor children would also be housed if their parent is granted an Emergency Motel Stay.
  • Adult companions who are not experiencing an emergency and animals belonging to the individual are not housed.
  • The Social Services coordinator also evaluates other available services that may benefit the unhoused individual.
  • For long term solutions, City staff reach out to the Building Safety and Housing Department’s Housing Division, for an official assessment for long-term housing by Abode Services.

Staff Contacts

Regular Business Hours – Mon – Fri, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Social Services Coordinator – (408) 586-3405 (Please leave a message and calls will be answered in a timely manner.)
Housing Division – (408) 586-3240
Emergencies – 911

After Regular Business Hours/Weekends
Milpitas Police Department (Non-Emergency) – (408) 586-2400
Emergencies – 911

Helpful Links

These links are to outside organizations providing supportive services in the area.