|  | LEASE - UPS |  | The Meridian | Santa ClaraThe Meridian in Santa Clara is 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.
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.
| |  | The Meridian | Sunnyvale
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.
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.
All of 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.
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
|  | |  | Kiku Crossing | San Mateo 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. | Building Amenities On-site professional management On-site resident services On-site laundry facilities Playground BBQ area Smoke-free community Bike room Elevators Community room with kitchen Learning Center
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| 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 Check with your Housing Coordinator (HC) to see if you qualify for our IDD units. If eligible, your HC will assist you with next steps.
For information on Housing Authority eligibility, waitlist, and preference policy, please visit this link. |  | | UPCOMING EVENTS | Support Serramonte Del Rey | Daly City Council Meeting | 📆 Monday, January 8, 2024 | 7:00 PM 📍City Hall Council Chambers – 2nd Floor | City Hall, 333 – 90th Street Daly City, CA 94015
The plan to redevelop the Serramonte Del Rey Campus into a vibrant mixed-use building, complete with retail shops, affordable housing, market-rate housing, and specially designated IDD set-aside units, is expected to seek its final approval by the Daly City Council on Monday, January 8, 2024. This crucial meeting is the last step in bringing this transformative project to life!
We invite you to join us at this pivotal meeting to advocate for the necessity of affordable housing and the inclusion of IDD units. Your voice is a powerful tool in this journey towards creating a more inclusive and diverse community. Let's unite to champion a brighter, more inclusive future for our community! | | EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES | Lived Experienced of Homelessness Action Board |  | Have you experienced homelessness?
Santa Cruz County Housing for Health Partnership is recruiting people who have lived experience of homelessness to join the Lived Expertise Action Board and Youth Lived Expertise Action Board, both set to launch in Spring 2024.
Board members will be compensated at $25/hour for a 20-hour monthly commitment.
To join, applicants must be: Currently or previously experiencing homelessness Living in Santa Cruz County Passionate about community change
Interest forms are accepted now through January 19, 2024. Know someone who would be a good fit? Nomination forms are available. Learn more here.
Apply now using this interest form or the button below. | | | PAST EVENTS | Housing Choices Winner of Catalyzing Partnership Award from Catalyze SV |  | | On November 30, Housing Choices was honored with the Catalyzing Partnership Award from Catalyze SV, a nonprofit dedicated to engaging community members, developers, and city leaders to create vibrant places for people in Silicon Valley. The award acknowledges our collaborative endeavors with various organizations, contributing to the enhancement of community services.
Housing Choices Executive Director Dennise Jauregui expressed gratitude during the acceptance speech, emphasizing the importance of our case-work in advocating for those with developmental disabilities to have a safe home. "We're really thankful for this partnership. Advocating for more affordable and inclusive housing is so important, especially in our community."
The event provided a platform for housing advocates, legislative members, developers, and community stakeholders to mingle over tapas and refreshments to celebrate collaborative efforts across Silicon Valley.
The ceremony also recognized outstanding individuals with awards for Government Champion, Elected Official, and Best Volunteer, highlighting their significant impact on housing in Silicon Valley.
As we look forward, we are enthusiastic about furthering and expanding our partnerships with additional organizations who embody our mission of respect, inclusivity, diversity, and excellence. | Milestone Achieved: Redevelopment of Serramonte Del Rey Campus Moves Forward | | Do you remember the Community BBQ we hosted in support of the Redevelopment of Serramonte Del Rey Campus in Daly City?
The project recently received unanimous approval (4-0) from the Daly City Planning Commission on Tuesday, December 5, marking clear support and recognition for the need of affordable housing from both staff and community members.
The plans to redevelop Serramonte Del Rey Campus are now moving forward to the last step of seeking final approval from the city council, scheduled for December 22.
This significant milestone means over 150 new affordable housing units, including 24 set-aside for the IDD community, are on the horizon. The mixed-use development will also envision revitalizing the current district into a vibrant neighborhood, complete with trails, shops, parks, and increased green spaces. Moreover, the project will enhance the Head Start Childcare program by rebuilding and improving dedicated classroom spaces. | | Housing Choices client and advocate, Karim Tulloch, played an impactful role in championing the project during his public comment at the Planning Commission meeting. Sharing his personal experience, Karim highlighted how Housing Choices has been instrumental in preventing him from long-term displacement.
When Karim moved out of his family home, he was displaced out of Daly City. However, after a year of being a Housing Choices client, Housing Choices helped him secure an affordable apartment back in Daly City near his services and circle of support. |
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| "I think that Housing Choices has been a good resource in helping me find a new home," shared Karim.
His story highlights the importance of IDD housing in preventing displacement of those who call Daly City home.
To further support this transformative project, it is crucial to rally behind its approval from the city council on January 8th.
Get involved and advocate further for this project to ensure it becomes a reality! Please reach out to Gia at gia@housingchoices.org.
Together, let's make a positive impact on our community's future! | | The Avalos Family's Journey from Makeshift Sleeping Spaces to a Complete 3 Bedroom Apartment | In the aftermath of a family divorce, Gabriel Avalos and his family found themselves at risk of homelessness. Gabriel’s single mother Monica and his two brothers, were suddenly thrust into a dire struggle to afford rent. Their home transformed into a maze of makeshift living spaces: Monica on the couch, Gabriel in a cramped office room, and his two brothers together in another room. This chaotic living arrangement was particularly challenging for Gabriel, a bright child with autism, who needed stability and a nurturing environment more than ever.
It was during this tumultuous period that Housing Choices emerged as a beacon of hope. Gabriel's family was not just facing financial hardship; they needed emotional support and stability. This is where Ashley, Gabriel's devoted Housing Coordinator at Housing Choices, stepped in. Ashley's commitment and diligence led the Avalos family to a new chapter in their lives. She secured for them a spacious, welcoming three-bedroom, two-bathroom unit at Monroe Commons in Santa Clara, painting a stark contrast to their previous living conditions. Now, nearly all the boys and their mother get to have their own room.
But Ashley's support extended further than just securing a roof over their heads. She helped the family obtain a vital $2,500 grant to cover the first month's rent, a financial cushion that provided them with much-needed relief. Moreover, Ashley facilitated an additional $250 grant from Housing Choices, enabling the family to purchase essential household items. These contributions were significant steps towards rebuilding a comfortable home. | Reflecting on her journey with the family, Ashley shared, “Gabriel was one of my first clients here at housing choices back in 2021 so I am very happy that they were able to secure affordable housing.” When the family first stepped into their new apartment, it was a moment that encapsulated relief, happiness, and a fresh start. “It feels good being here,” said Gabriel.
Gabriel actively participates in the Hope Program, where he joins others with developmental disabilities in dance, allowing him to express himself and pursue his passion for music.
Monica, with a touch of humor and relief, shared, “Now he has his own room, and he gets to dance and everything.” |
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| Ashley's communication skills and adept orchestration of resources were pivotal in not only finding the Avalos family a stable home but also in ensuring they received the financial support to thrive in their new environment. “My work is important to me because it allows me to make a positive impact on people's lives, and that sense of purpose is what makes it meaningful to me.” Ashley reflected.
“We were overwhelmed and overjoyed, finally happy to have a place of our own,” smiled Monica. This story is a testament to the transformative power of compassion and dedicated support, illustrating how Housing Choices not only provides homes but fosters hope and new beginnings. | | Housing Choices Awarded Community Grant from Rotary Club of San Jose |  | The Rotary Club of San Jose, a beacon of service and unity, unites a diverse array of business, nonprofit, professional, and civic leaders to drive meaningful change both locally and globally. This club, celebrated for its commitment to "Service above Self," has recently demonstrated its dedication to community enhancement by awarding a significant Community Grant to Housing Choices.
This generous grant of $4,448 from the Rotary Club of San Jose is a game-changer for us, enabling us to fund new desktop computers for our San Jose office. This upgrade will help us replace outdated equipment that has been a bottleneck in our operations. Our Housing Coordinators rely heavily on desktop computers for efficient client assistance, including managing emails, accessing databases, and handling essential lease-up forms and documents.
We are immensely thankful for the Rotary Club of San Jose's support through this grant. This contribution is not just about technology; it's an investment in enhancing our service quality and efficiency.
Keep an eye out for updates on how these new desktops are empowering our staff to serve our clients more effectively, truly embodying the spirit of collaboration and unity! | | With appreciation,
Todd Marans
Board Chair
Dennise Jauregui
Executive Director |
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