San Jose Temporary Housing Site Plagued by Dysfunction and Allegations of Misconduct
A San Jose development, initially hailed as a model for prefabricated temporary housing, is facing serious allegations of mismanagement, unprofessional conduct, and potential criminal activity. Calle Branham, a three-story complex with 168 apartments operated by LifeMoves, is at the center of the controversy, with six former and current employees coming forward with detailed accounts of dysfunction.
Management Concerns and Allegations of Favoritism
Employees allege a management structure built on favoritism rather than accountability or professionalism. Concerns center around a program director, reportedly with close ties to a senior LifeMoves manager, who allegedly created a hostile work environment, frequently yelling at staff and dismissing criticism. Following an investigation by San José Spotlight into these complaints, the program director was reassigned to another LifeMoves location.
Current employees claim that individuals without relevant experience were hired as program assistants and resident services coordinators, leading to lax enforcement of rules, including staff forming personal relationships with residents. An employee was terminated on October 17, 2025, for dating a resident, according to an email reviewed by San José Spotlight.
Allegations of Drug Trafficking and Retaliation
The most serious allegations involve a case manager allegedly engaging in drug trafficking with residents. A former employee recorded video surveillance appearing to show the case manager exchanging an item with a resident. The former employee reported that a resident claimed the case manager had offered to purchase drugs in exchange for perfume.
The former employee, after raising these concerns with the human resources manager, was fired weeks later for “unauthorized recording,” according to a termination letter. The employee stated they feared retaliation from the beginning, feeling threatened for reporting the issues.
LifeMoves spokesperson Maria Prato stated that the organization cannot comment on unverified allegations or internal personnel matters. Prato too asserted that employees are not fired for reporting misconduct and that recording is prohibited to protect resident privacy.
Discrimination Claims
Dani Snyder, a former transgender employee, alleges a discriminatory environment at Calle Branham, citing instances of misgendering, transphobic content, and having a pride flag painted over in their office. Snyder claims they were fired after complaining about the incident and that management did not prioritize their safety concerns.
Prato stated that LifeMoves does not tolerate discriminatory behavior and that concerns are reviewed and addressed appropriately.
Infrastructure Issues and Resident Health
The complex has faced ongoing infrastructure problems, including shower benches falling off walls, foul-smelling water, and water damage, leading to residents reporting nausea, breathing difficulties, and concerns about mold.
Project Funding and City Response
The $60 million project operates on an annual budget of approximately $6 million. Funding sources include nearly $52 million from the state’s Project Homekey program, $4 million from Santa Clara County, $5 million from the Sobrato Foundation, and nearly $39 million from the City of San Jose, distributed over seven years.
San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan has championed the modular housing model as an innovative solution to homelessness. However, he declined to address how his administration plans to hold operators like LifeMoves accountable and stated there was no evidence to support the drug trafficking allegations. He emphasized that criminal behavior is unacceptable and should be reported, but should not discredit the entire system.
Concerns Over Resident Safety and Screening
Former employees reported concerns about a resident, Marlo Porter, who was observed repeatedly loading young girls into his truck and exhibiting aggressive behavior. Porter was later arrested in January for the alleged kidnapping and sexual assault of a 15-year-old girl.
The San Jose Housing Department did not respond to inquiries regarding accountability, security measures, or the implementation of a resident screening process following the alleged abduction.
Sources claim that safety concerns raised by staff and residents often receive vague responses and are dismissed as private matters, with little follow-up action.
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