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LEASE-UPS

Kiku Crossing | San Mateo
480 East 4th Avenue, San Mateo, CA 94401

Kiku Crossing is a brand new 225-unit affordable housing community located in downtown San Mateo. There will be 80 project-based units consisting of studios, 1, 2 and 3-bedroom units with 17 set-aside units for applicants that qualify for supportive services preferences. Of those 17 units, there will be 8 set aside for individuals with developmental disabilities. Kiku Crossing is anticipated to open Spring 2024.

Requirements and Preferences

• Must meet the income limits. See chart below.

• Must be at least 18 years of age.

• Preference will be given to families who live, work, or are hired to work in San

  Mateo County.

Apply for 8 Set- Aside IDD Units

1. Check with your Housing Coordinator (HC) to see if you qualify for our IDD units.

2. If eligible, your HC will assist you with a pre-application.

3. After November 30, 2023, a lottery will determine who completes a full application.

4. If selected, your HC will guide you through the interview process.

5. Your HC can also assist you with the lease signing process upon approval. .

Applications must be submitted before 5:00 p.m. on November 30, 2023 to be placed in the lottery pool.

For information on Housing Authority eligibility, waitlist, and preference policy, please visit this link.

UPCOMING EVENTS

341 Affordable Units! San Bruno Advocacy

📅 Tuesday, November 7, 2023 | 7 PM

📍 San Bruno Senior Center | 1555 Crystal Springs Road San Bruno, CA 94066 or Zoom

Are you or someone you know struggling to find an affordable place in San Mateo County due to skyrocketing housing prices?

If so, your opportunity to be a part of the solution is here!

Join us at the upcoming planning commission meeting in San Bruno on Tuesday, November 7th at 7 PM, at the San Bruno Senior Center, 1555 Crystal Springs Road, San Bruno, CA 94066. We're rallying in support of a large affordable housing project encompassing two buildings with a total of 341 units.

The multi-residential building developed by JS IV View at San Bruno LLC will be at 840 San Bruno Avenue West (NE corner of San Bruno Avenue and Elm Avenue).

The project’s income requirements are set between 30-80% of the area median income (AMI), with an average AMI range of 60-70%. There is planned to be 115 parking spots and a secured bike facility to support the use of public transportation nearby. There will also be 3 designated community spaces to support families, community gatherings, and encourage more interconnected neighborhoods.

Speak up and share your vision with developers and policymakers. We encourage you to advocate for the inclusion of units dedicated to Golden Gate Regional Center consumers with developmental disabilities, enabling them to live independently in a supportive community.

TAKE ACTION NOW TO SUPPORT INCLUSION IN SAN MATEO COUNTY:

1. Attend the in-person meeting to share your personal housing challenges! Let developers and city officials understand why independent living matters to you and why you need affordable housing in San Mateo County. The project will be item #1 on the Meeting Agenda Packet. Public comments will only be accepted for those who are attending in-person!

2. Spread the word! Forward this email to anyone in your network who is looking for affordable housing in San Mateo County.

3. Sent Letter of Support. Use the button below to send a letter to city officials and let them know you need affordable housing.

4. Learn More about the Project at https://www.sanbruno.ca.gov/934/840-San-Bruno-Avenue-West.

If you have questions or wish to stay engaged in advocacy opportunities for individuals with I/DD in your community, please reach out to Gia Pham at gia@housingchoices.org. Additionally, occasionally, we award $25-$50 gift cards to strong advocates who show up and speak their truth! Gia, along with a Housing Choices Client, will be present at the meeting to support your vision. Your voice can indeed make a significant difference, so take action NOW.

NEW IDD UNITS! Redwood City Advocacy

To those in Redwood City, a new affordable housing project at 3051 Edison Way is currently under review in your city! This project is designed to provide a total of 70 housing units, with up to 35 units specifically set aside for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD). These units will be available at 30% of the Area Median Income (AMI), ensuring accessibility for the IDD population.

This project represents a significant step in addressing the urgent housing crisis faced by vulnerable members of our community, and it strongly aligns with our values of inclusivity, diversity, and community support.

Based on our research, we anticipate that this project will also meet the 5% homeless preference threshold established by San Mateo County. This will not only provide stable housing but also foster improvements throughout the community, enhancing neighborhood resilience.

We wholeheartedly support this project and encourage others to advocate for its approval. Together, we can make a genuine difference by ensuring that individuals with developmental disabilities have access to safe and inclusive housing in the very neighborhoods where they grew up and receive vital services.

Steps to Support up to 35 IDD Units in Redwood City

1. Find your Board of Supervisor using this map

2. Using this page, click on the Supervisor associated with your District.

3. Locate their email address on the right hand side

4. Email your Supervisor using our template

5. Let your supervisor know You Need Housing for People with Developmental Disabilities!

SARC Annual Holiday Craft Fair

📅 Saturday, November 18, 2023 | 10 AM - 4 PM

📍 San Andreas Regional Center, 6203 San Ignacio Ave, Suite 200, San Jose, CA 95119, USA

Are you ready for a whirlwind of creativity and holiday cheer?

Last year, there were over 70 talented individuals with differing disabilities, all served by SARC, showcasing their homemade arts and crafts.

Don’t miss it this year! Join us on Saturday, November 18, to witness the incredible talents of SARC clients and immerse yourself in the festive spirit. Whether you're on the hunt for unique holiday gifts or simply looking to infuse your spirit with some seasonal magic, this is the place to be.

At the fair, individuals with developmental disabilities will be selling their homemade arts and crafts and keeping 100% of their sales. It's not just a chance to shop for unique items but also an opportunity for these individuals to earn extra money for the holidays.

As an added bonus, there will also be an Activity Room where anyone can create free tree ornaments. Some of these ornaments will decorate the San Andreas Regional Center Tree at Christmas in the Park in San Jose, continuing the heartwarming tradition of handmade ornaments by individuals with developmental disabilities.

Everyone is invited to our Free Holiday Craft Fair to shop for delightful items, snap a photo with Santa, enjoy face painting, and even craft a holiday ornament. And for those seeking a delicious bite to eat, there will be a food truck on-site. Don't miss this exciting and heartwarming holiday event!

PAST EVENTS

Stanford Autism Conference

On October 14th, Housing Choices participated in the Stanford University Autism Conference, providing essential resources to parents and families in the IDD community. During this event, our Executive Director, Dennise Jauregui, led two highly attended workshops focusing on affordable housing solutions for individuals with developmental disabilities.

The conference room buzzed with enthusiastic parents eager to explore alternative housing options for their children, seeking a more independent lifestyle for individuals with developmental disabilities.

Parents raised numerous questions, covering topics such as Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), the Self-Determination Program, and Section 8 Vouchers. Did you know we featured an interview with a parent who successfully utilized the Self-Determination Program for their child to live in an ADU while receiving Supported Living Services (SLS)? Check out the informative video on our YouTube here.

We also provided an overview of income requirements for the set-aside units at our Partner Properties and the steps to applying. Recognizing the paramount importance of autism awareness, our workshop was dedicated to supporting parents of individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities in securing appropriate housing solutions for their children.

SARC Annual Awards Dinner

On Saturday, October 28, we gathered with our IDD community partners at the San Andreas Regional Center Annual Award Dinner in Campbell. This exceptional event united our vibrant community to celebrate remarkable achievements and the dedicated efforts that continue to pave the way for inclusivity and diversity.

The evening was nothing short of splendid, marked by a delightful dinner and the presentation of well-deserved awards. Emotions of joy and gratitude filled the air, making it a heartwarming occasion that resonated with all in attendance.

During this special evening, we proudly recognized SARC Advocates of the Year, whose passion and tireless efforts continue to drive positive change in the lives of those we serve. We applauded the commitment of our dedicated assembly members, whose unwavering support contributes significantly to our mission. We commended the outstanding special education teachers whose dedication shapes the future of the youth in our community, and we expressed our heartfelt gratitude to the incredible clinical service providers who play a crucial role in the well-being of those in our care.

David's current home is at our Partner Property, Estancia in Santa Clara, where he enjoys BBQ parties hosted by our Resident Coordinators.

As we reflect on these achievements and honor those who have made an incredible impact, we also cast our gaze forward to the future.

Let's remain united in our mission. Together, we can continue to make a profound and lasting effect on the IDD community. Donate today to make a difference.

Halloween Bingo Night at 4th Street Apartments Brings Joy to Residents

On October 26, Resident Coordinators Analaura and Rothar transformed the community room at 4th Street Apartments in San Jose into Halloween pizza night. The highlight of the evening was the bingo event, where more than three lucky champions went home with a Target gift card. Residents from Gish Apartments also joined in on the fun.

In the spirit of Halloween, many of our clients embraced the festivities by wearing creative costumes. In the top left photo, Housing Choices client Valeria Ruiz from Gish Apartments is brilliantly dressed as a police officer. Valeria was lucky that night, as she emerged as one of our bingo winners. She expressed her eagerness to buy a new dress with her reward.

Jennifer was featured in our 25th anniversary video, where she shared her experience with Housing Choices. She has always been involved in our activities and advocacy efforts.

"Jennifer is really welcoming, and she's a regular at our events," said Ana, who has been a Resident Coordinator at 4th Street Apartments for about 2 years.

Ana plays a crucial role in assisting residents with rent-related matters, housing reminders, and recertification paperwork. Her presence is instrumental in offering valuable support and fostering community engagement.

“Ana is great, she does a great job. If you have a problem she gets right to it. She’s a pleasure to speak with and be around,” smiled Jennifer. “If I have any problems or paperwork, she’s there to help you answer questions when they come up.”

Events like these serve as a heartwarming example of the vibrant community spirit thriving within our Partner Properties. Such gatherings, beyond being entertaining, highlight the power of unity and shared experiences in fostering a warm and inclusive environment.

“I like that our clients interact with each other and I like that I get to see them together instead of checking in with them individually,” said Ana.

MEET OUR NEW HIRES

Marisol was born and raised in San Jose. She is one of our newest Housing Coordinators at our San Jose office. Marisol was inspired to work at Housing Choices after witnessing many people in her community struggle to find affordable housing that is inclusive and suitable for their needs.

Nitzeli Sanchez is a Housing Coordinator at our Palo Alto office. Nitzeli is passionate about using her skills to serve nonprofit organizations because they help empower neighborhoods and provide valuable services to those in need. She believes housing is a basic right and wants to assist those most vulnerable in our community.