|  | 👻 BOO-STING HOUSING SOLUTIONS🎃
This October newsletter is packed with treats for our readers!
Discover affordable housing events, heartfelt client stories that showcase the impact of our work, and exciting introductions to our new Partner Properties with IDD units.
Join us as we unveil these spook-tacular updates and celebrate our continued commitment to making housing accessible for all. | UPCOMING LEASE - UPS |  | Meridian in Santa Clara | Late December 2023
The Meridian in Santa Clara is now welcoming referrals for 10 set-aside one-bedroom units designed for individuals with IDD. This wonderful opportunity is exclusively available for Housing Choices clients and those associated with the Silicon Valley Independent Living Center.
These 10 set-aside, one-bedroom IDD units include HUD 811 vouchers, so rent is only 30% of the household income. That means there's no minimum income requirement. DDS will determine final eligibility. The target lease-up date is expected to be in mid to late December 2023.
Eligibility Criteria: Applicants must be SARC adults aged 18 to 61. Household income must not exceed 30% of the Area Median Income (AMI). Applicants must have Medi-Cal coverage. Priority 1 Applicants seeking to exit specific types of institutional care, including Skilled Nursing Facility, Intermediate Care Facility, or Developmental Center.
Priority 2 Homeless individuals Those at imminent risk of homelessness Individuals living with a caregiver who will soon be unable to provide care (e.g., aging parents) Individuals at risk of being placed in institutional care (defined broadly as any Medi-Cal funded or licensed care facility).
To Apply: Contact your Housing Coordinator to check eligibility. If eligible, your Housing Coordinator will fill out a form with your Medi-Cal number. The form will go to DDS for final approval. You'll be notified with the next steps.
| |  | Meridian in Sunnyvale | November / December 2023
The Meridian in Sunnyvale is one of our newest Partner Properties with a total of 90 rental units. 23 of these units are exclusively set- aside for those with IDD. The sizes of the units include 7 studios, 11 one-bedrooms, 3 two-bedrooms, and 2 three-bedrooms. These units include central air and heating, a dishwasher, energy-efficient appliances and lighting, and easy access to public transportation.
Please note that all our units are monitored by the City of Sunnyvale and are subject to specific restrictions. Rental rates, as displayed in the chart below, are set at 30% of the Area Median Income (AMI). Income limits may vary slightly based on AMI percentages and utility allowances. These income limits are subject to change in line with HUD's published AMI updates. The Meridian in Sunnyvale features a total of 27 units specially modified to meet ADA standards, catering to mobility, visual, and hearing impairments as needed. The lobby and community room are wheelchair accessible, and the building offers common area accessible bathrooms and an elevator.
Eligibility Criteria:
To Apply: Contact your Housing Coordinator to check eligibility. If eligible, your Housing Coordinator will sign you up for the waitlist and help you with any necessary paperwork You'll receive notifications for the next steps
|  | | | UPCOMING EVENTS |  | Disability Awareness Day in San Jose
🗓️ Date: Thursday, October 12th 🕣 Time:10:00 AM - 1:00 PM 📍 Location: San Jose City Hall
Join us at San Jose City Hall on Thursday, October 12th, for Disability Awareness Day, where Housing Choices will host a booth to offer information on disability awareness and inclusive housing.
This event, a celebration of unity, invites the entire community to unite in promoting awareness and inclusion of people with disabilities.
Participate in building awareness about individuals with disabilities through a variety of engaging activities, including art displays, a resource fair, live music, dance performances, food trucks, games, and much more!
Since 2010, the Council & Mayor’s Office has been hosting this event during the first week of October, focusing on sharing information and promoting services available to people with disabilities to help them live independently. ASL interpreters will be present, and additional accommodations, as well as multi-language interpretation, can be arranged upon request. Providing at least 72 hours' notice ensures availability. For further event details, please contact alex.dersh@sanjoseca.gov or call 408-535-4901.
By attending and visiting our booth, you're actively supporting a more inclusive and accessible world. Let's come together as a community to celebrate the invaluable contributions of individuals with disabilities and collectively work towards a brighter, more inclusive future. |  | YIMBY Homecoming Gala in San Francisco
🗓️ Date: Friday, October 13, 2023 🕣 Time: 7:00 PM PDT 📍 Location: Terra Gallery & Event Venue, 511 Harrison St, San Francisco, CA 94105
Do you like affordable housing in your backyard? Yes In My Back Yard (YIMBY) Homecoming is YIMBY Action’s annual gala is the movement’s capstone event, bringing together the country’s largest gathering of pro-housing activists and policymakers to call for a future of thriving cities and abundant housing.
Join more than 600 passionate activists for the biggest YIMBY event of the year!
Pick up a VIP ticket for access to an intimate VIP pre-reception where our special guests are invited to mix and mingle with our community of local and state elected officials. | |  | “Facing the Future” Stanford Autism Conference
🗓️ Date: Saturday, October 14, 2023 🕣 Time: 8:30 AM PDT - 4:00 PM PDT 📍 Location: Li Ka Shing Center, Stanford University, 291 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA 94305, on both the 1st and 2nd floors
Join us for an essential event designed for caregivers and supporters of adults with significant autism and developmental disabilities. Then Stanford Autism Conference encompasses a diverse array of topics, from legal and financial planning to public benefits, housing, healthcare, therapy, and advocacy – all geared towards improving quality of life of those in the IDD community.
This full-day event includes a resource fair and a series of informative presentations across various sessions. It's a fantastic opportunity to gather valuable insights and connect with experts in the field. Don't miss out!
Registration Options $65: Full access to the event, which covers the resource fair, classroom sessions, materials, coffee, and lunch $10: Afternoon resource fair-only pass from 1 pm to 4 pm
Free parking is available nearby, and registration opens at 8:30 am, with a recommended arrival time of 8:15 am for full-event attendees. | |  | Affordable Housing & Tenant Protections Advocacy at BOS Meeting
🗓️ Date: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 🕣 Time: 9:00 AM PDT - 1:00 PM PDT 📍 Location: 400 County Center Redwood City, CA 94063 or Zoom
Many people with developmental disabilities can often face housing challenges when seeking affordable accommodations or when confronted with unjust eviction situations. To address this, financial support can be allocated to specific programs aimed at assisting vulnerable families within our community.
Join us on October 17 at the County Board of Supervisors meeting to support tenant protections and advocate for more funding towards affordable housing! The Board of Supervisors is discussing the reallocation of Measure K sales tax dollars, with $110 million expected for the FY 2024-2025. $67.3 million is already allocated to preexisting programs while $42.7 million remains unallocated.
So far, the County plans to distribute the remaining funds in five categories: Emerging Need, Emergency Preparedness, Housing & Homelessness, Children, Family, & Seniors, and Data & Evaluation. $16.4 million is anticipated to go towards housing and homelessness programs.
In order to effectively address the housing crisis and its adverse impact on our neighbors, we must advocate for the allocation of the remaining funds in these essential areas: $10 million for the Affordable Housing Fund - Hundreds of affordable homes could be created! $1.6 million for Legal Aid services - To defend against evictions and protect vulnerable tenants. $400,000 for County Department of Housing staff - For stronger housing policies.
Let your voice be heard for affordable housing and tenant protections at the BOS meeting on October 17! Your recommendations are essential for County staff to make the best decisions.
Have you ever felt like you've experienced an unfair eviction? If so, please consider reaching out to our Communications Coordinator, Gia Pham, to share your story. | |  | “Meeting the Moment” Housing Leadership Day
🗓️ Date: Friday, October 20, 2023 🕣 Time: 9:30 AM PDT - 5:30 PM PDT 📍 Location: 801 Jefferson Ave, Redwood City, CA 94063, CZI community space in Redwood City.
For over two decades, Housing Leadership Day has been a vital hub for sharing expertise and resources and working together to make affordable housing a reality in our neighborhoods. Our dedicated San Mateo County community has achieved remarkable milestones, always fueled by the unwavering strength and resilience of our neighbors, even in challenging times. Join us at this year's event, "Meeting the Moment," happening on October 20, 2023, at the CZI community space in Redwood City.
This year, our partners at Housing Leadership Council (HLC) have curated eight dynamic workshops featuring a deep dive into social housing and an exploration of the upcoming BAHFA Ballot. But there's more in store! HLC is excited to introduce the distinguished keynote speaker, Tomiquia Moss, CEO of All Home, who will impart a wealth of knowledge and inspiration to the event.
We hope to see you Friday October 20, at Housing Leadership Day 2023 – it's an event that you won't want to miss! | |  | PHP Special Needs Resource Fair - FREE EVENT
🗓️ Date: Saturday, October 21, 2023 🕣 Time: 9:30 AM PDT - 1:00 PM PDT 📍 Location: Campbell Community Center, Orchard City Banquet Hall – Campbell, 1 West Campbell Avenue Campbell, CA 95008
Are you in search of valuable disability resources for yourself or your family? Look no further! PHP is excited to announce an in-person Resource Fair for individuals of all ages and abilities.
This event offers you the chance to connect with a wide range of professionals and organizations who can provide assistance in various areas. Whether you're seeking support with assessments and therapies, education options, employment opportunities, day programs, housing solutions, public services, or even legal, financial, medical, or dental needs, you'll find it all here.
While the majority of our participating vendors are based in Santa Clara County, we've expanded our reach to include vendors from across the greater Bay Area and beyond, thanks to the convenience of virtual services.
Don't miss the opportunity to meet with representatives, gather valuable information, and get your questions answered on the spot. Join us at this resource-packed event! | | | PAST EVENTS | Resident Coordinator Hosts Emergency Preparedness Workshop at Villa Esperanza with City of Gilroy |  | | Have you ever accidentally left the stove on? Mistakes happen; what's crucial is knowing how to react in an emergency and preparing for various situations to ensure your safety.
Daniel Scott, M.A., City of Gilroy CEM Community Resilience Coordinator, delivered a presentation at an Emergency Preparedness Workshop hosted by Resident Coordinator Adriana Robles at Villa Esperanza in Gilroy. Housing Choices clients gathered in the community room to gain insights into preparing for various disasters, including floods and fires, which may require evacuation.
During the workshop, many of our clients shared their personal experiences with past emergencies. Their stories underscored the importance of knowing how to respond in such situations, particularly given their unique circumstances involving disabilities. They also expressed a desire for feedback and tips on how they could improve their emergency preparedness for the future.
Here’s what our clients learned about Emergency Preparedness: Ensure that someone close to you is aware of your disability so that they can advocate for you during evacuations, ensuring that police, firefighters, or first responders understand your specific needs, whether those involve mobility or any other functional requirements. Always listen to the advice of authorities and professionals regarding where to go during an emergency. Avoid going against their instructions or second-guessing their guidance. Create an emergency kit with essential supplies like non-perishable food, water, medications, and important documents. Having these items readily available can make a significant difference in a crisis situation.
“Just by mentally preparing and walking through emergency or evacuation steps in your head, you can prevent injury to yourself, your family, or injury to your neighbors. It is better safe than sorry, ” said Daniel Scott. | GABE MOVES INTO MIRAMONTES IN REDWOOD CITY! |  | Are you seeking a home that caters to your child's independence, needs, and sensory preferences?
Buffie and James were in search of a new home for their son, Gabe, to live in as they aged. Their goal was to facilitate Gabe's transition towards greater independence and help him build his own future.
"If we die, then it would be a bad transition to the streets or whatever might happen," shared James. "So we're trying to do it while we're still functioning."
In the past, Gabe encountered difficulties in group settings because of his seizure disorder and challenges socializing with people dealing with various behavioral issues.
As a result, his family began searching for different housing options. This quest eventually led them to consider the idea of Gabe living in a studio apartment with regular visits from caretakers—a solution designed to meet Gabe's unique requirements.
After searching with their Housing Choices Housing Coordinator, they discovered Miramontes Apartments in Redwood City. They were drawn to the property's modernity, location, and amenities, and they signed a lease for a studio apartment on September 19, 2023.
James further elaborated on why Miramontes was an ideal fit for Gabe's unique interests and comfort.
“He does well in these kind of urban environments. And right now we live in Boulder Creek, kind of out in the country. And so there's more stimulation for him here,” explained James. “He loves taking the train.”
During their visits to Miramontes, James and Buffie could easily envision Gabe taking Caltrain for fun, riding the BART, and spending his days exploring the city.
The lively ambiance of the property’s environment aligns well with Gabe's sensory preferences, budget, and independence. |
“He does well in these kind of urban environments. And right now we live in Boulder Creek, kind of out in the country. And so there's more stimulation for him here. He loves taking the train.” |
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| Housing Choices offers 10 studio units at Miramontes, with a preference for individuals with developmental disabilities.
These opportunities assist people like Gabe in finding suitable and affordable homes that enable them to live independently. Importantly, it prevents individuals with developmental disabilities from becoming homeless as their parents age, especially considering that many of them rely on fixed government incomes that are insufficient for Bay Area rent prices.
James emphasized the importance of affordable housing, stating, "Without some form of affordable housing assistance, I believe many in the disabled population would struggle to reside in this area."
The rising rental costs and the challenges posed by aging parents can displace disabled individuals, underscoring the urgency of addressing affordable housing needs.
Gabe's story serves as a compelling example of how the right living environment, featuring considerate amenities such as accessible transit and affordability, can positively impact individuals with unique needs. | | DID YOU HEAR? |  | | With appreciation,
Todd Marans
Board Chair
Dennise Jauregui
Executive Director |
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