|  | Emily Finds Comfort and Autonomy in Accessible Living with Housing Choices |  | In her previous, non-accessible apartment, Emily, a wheelchair user, faced daily mobility challenges. "It was kind of hard to move around. I was crawling on my knees," she recalled. Emily endured significant leg pain and a continuous, nagging ache in her lower back in an attempt to move about her apartment where she couldn't use a wheelchair.
A new chapter began for Emily when she moved into a completely accessible apartment at 1585 Studios, with the aid of Housing Choices. This move wasn't just a change of address; it was a leap towards autonomy and comfort. | | "I like living here. I can cook sitting down in my wheelchair. I like my grab bars and I can use my wheelchair in my apartment, cuz I couldn’t do that before,” Emily shares. |
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| For over eight years, Emily has been a key resident of 1585 Studios, having been one of the first to move in since its opening. Her early presence there did more than just affirm her own independence; it played a crucial role in transforming the building into a more accessible space for all residents. In response to Emily's needs and experiences, Housing Choices worked in harmony with the property management to implement essential changes. This collaboration led to significant improvements, such as the installation of automatic doors with accessible push buttons and adapting the community room door for easier wheelchair access. “I am able to be independent better because of them,” thanked Emily.
Emily's time at 1585 Studios has been instrumental in these enhancements, making the building not just a place to live, but a truly inclusive community. This sense of autonomy and her influential role at 1585 Studios is deeply meaningful to Emily, particularly as she considers her family back in Virginia.
"They don't live forever. So it's important for me to live independently, to have my own space and activities," she reflects.
Beyond facilitating an accessible living space, Housing Choices played a pivotal role in advocating for Emily's rights and coordinating with other support services. Emily faced challenges with an unhelpful service coordinator who was often under performing, spending time on her phone and neglecting her responsibilities. She didn't care at all, and that's not good. They treated me as if I was conserved, and I am not," Emily recounts, expressing her frustration.
When her concerns were initially dismissed by her agency, Jorge, Emily’s Housing Choices Resident Coordinator, stepped in. Jorge facilitated a crucial meeting where Emily's voice was finally heard. Jorge's approach was straightforward yet effective. "I didn't speak for her; she spoke for herself. I just asked one concrete question: ‘Do you still want services from this agency?’" Jorge explains. This intervention led to a resolution that respected Emily's wishes, empowering her to assert her needs.
Today, Emily cherishes her life at 1585 Studios, appreciating the support and stability provided by Jorge and Housing Choices. "It's safe here, easy to move around, nice and comfortable. I know I'll be okay even when my parents are dead - that's important," Emily states, reflecting on her newfound sense of security and independence.
Let's champion the cause for accessible housing. Advocate, donate, or volunteer with Housing Choices. Together, we can break down barriers and build communities where everyone, regardless of their abilities, can truly feel at home. | | | 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
| | | UPCOMING EVENTS |  | Create Pro-Housing Art Display to Support IDD Units at Serramonte Del Rey in Daly City📆 Friday, January 19, 2024 | 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM 📍Jefferson High School, 6996 Mission Street, Daly City
We are creating a community art piece to symbolize the support we have for the redevelopment of Serramonte Del Rey Campus in Daly City, and we need your help!
Our goal is to vividly illustrate the community's pressing need for housing that is both affordable and inclusive, especially for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). To bring this vision to life, we are inviting you all to Jefferson High School, where we will collaboratively create an art installation. This installation will not only represent the urgent necessity for affordable housing but also demonstrate our strong backing for the redevelopment project.
No art skills needed, just your passion and presence!
Your voice, through art, can make an impactful statement. Join us in this creative endeavor to make our community's aspirations a reality. | | |  | Support Serramonte Del Rey at Daly City Council Meeting📆 Monday, January 22, 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!
IDD Units The Serramonte Del Rey Redevelopment project features a dedicated section with 24 units for individuals with I/DD. These residents will receive supportive services from Housing Choices and GGRC.
How you can help:
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. | | |  | FREE DINNER at Affordable Housing 101 Game Night with Catalyze Silicon Valley
📆 Monday, January 29, 2024 | 5:00 PM 📍 Mountain View Community Center | 201 S Rengstorff Ave Mountain View, CA 94040 or ZOOM
Housing Choices is collaborating with Catalyze Silicon Valley in an interactive game night designed to educate and engage community members on affordable housing. Whether you're a beginner or want to deepen your understanding, this event is perfect for you!
What to Expect: Interactive Games: Participate in fun rounds of question-and-answer games to learn key terms and information about affordable housing. Affordable Housing Information: Get a comprehensive guide by the end of the event, ensuring you leave with valuable knowledge. Expert Insights: Hear from a professional or advocate in affordable housing. Dinner Break: Enjoy a meal and mingle with fellow community members. Final Review: We'll go over all the answers to ensure everyone is up to speed.
Whether you join us in person or virtually, this event promises to be both informative and enjoyable. Let's empower ourselves to contribute meaningfully to local conversations about affordable housing! | | |  | Volunteer for San Mateo’s 2024 One Day Homeless Count – Let's Make a Difference!
📅 Thursday, January 25th, 2024 5:00 AM to 10:00 AM
Do you want to help San Mateo County make informed decisions and plan for housing initiatives?
By volunteering for the San Mateo 2024 One Day Homeless Count. you will be playing a critical role in the observational count, and the data you will help to collect will play an important part in local planning, program development, and grant funding.
The One Day Homeless Count will take place on Thursday, January 25th, 2024, from 5:00AM to 10:00AM. On the morning of the Count, you will be paired with another volunteer and assigned a region of the County to conduct a headcount of the unsheltered population.
Prior to volunteering, you are expected to participate in a training session to learn more about the One Day Homeless Count and your role. Trainings will be available throughout January, and attendance at the training session is mandatory.
Please read through the volunteer requirements below and fill out this form to complete your registration.
Volunteer Requirements: At least 18 years old Attend a training (virtual) Have access to a smart phone and/or able to drive your own car
| | | NEW YEAR, NEW LAWS | Have you caught up on all the new housing laws taking effect January 1, 2024?
Here's the Recap Senate B423 extends and expands existing law, requiring local governments that are failing to meet state housing planning goals to streamline affordable housing projects. This will increase affordable housing throughout the state in uncooperative cities.
Senate Bill 4, often referred to as the "Yes in God’s Backyard" bill, simplifies the process for building housing on land owned by religious organizations or private colleges. Under this bill, these groups can develop housing without needing to seek special permission or approvals from local government authorities.
Source: Office of Governor Gavin Newsom | | PAST EVENTS | Resident Gather for Christmas Party and Gifts at 1585 Studios |  | | |
“ I like how its very comfortable and people are kind and generous. I just like to socialize with people and I think its great that everyone likes to participate in these events,” said Housing Choices client Rebecca Shue.
Rebecca moved out of her family home in Los Gatos to live independently.
“I love living by myself because its so peaceful.” |
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| | | | ED CORNER WITH DENNISE JAUREGUI | Happy New Year Housing Choices Community! As we step into this exciting new chapter, our Executive Director, Dennise Jauregui, would like to share her insights on the impactful journey we're on together. |  | Executive Director Dennise Jauregui |
| “Housing Choices is committed to serve our communities and support our clients through their goals of getting into affordable housing and maintaining their housing. Your voices are crucial as we continue to advocate for more affordable and inclusive housing in the areas we serve. As we aim to further recognition of those with developmental disabilities in counties' plans to increase equity, we look forward to another year of partnership." |
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| | With appreciation,
Todd Marans
Board Chair
Dennise Jauregui
Executive Director |
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