Affordable Housing Month is a month-long series of events, workshops, and campaigns throughout the month of May every year dedicated to raising awareness and driving action around the housing challenges facing our communities.
2025’s Theme: #StrengthInHousing
In Affordable Housing Month 2025 in Santa Clara County, we came together to renew and revitalize our commitments to affordable housing and housing justice.
We came together to renew and revitalize our collective commitments to uplift our communities and to make sure everyone has a safe, stable, and affordable home. It is up to us to build the community that we want to see.
For Affordable Housing Month 2025, our programming reinforced our resilience, our diversity, our creativity, and our sheer drive to implement local solutions.
AHM 2025 Event Lineup
SV@Home’s Housewarming Policy Luncheon
SV@Home kicked off Affordable Housing Month with our Housewarming Policy Luncheon, bringing together advocates, policymakers, and community leaders dedicated to advancing housing justice in Silicon Valley. We were honored to feature San José District 2 Councilmember Pamela Campos as keynote speaker, whose remarks emphasized housing as a moral imperative rooted in care and community.
The program also included regional insights from Russell Hancock, President & CEO of Joint Venture Silicon Valley, and a grounding land acknowledgement by Julie Dominguez. Julie reminded us that this is not only a time to act on housing justice, but a critical moment to recognize the deeper histories of the land we stand on, and the steps needed for equity and repair.
You may have noticed the beautiful and unifying artwork woven throughout this year’s Affordable Housing Month—this powerful visual theme was created by the talented Leyla Carleo. Leyla’s art brought our values to life and set the tone for a month rooted in justice, culture, and belonging. Thank you, Leyla, for sharing your vision and heart with our movement.
Tour of Blossom Valley Senior Apartments
Hosted by: Catalyze SV, Housing Action Coalition, & the Non-Profit Housing Association of Northern California
Catalyze SV, the Housing Action Coalition, & the Non-Profit Housing Association of Northern California hosted a joint event in collaboration with Charities Housing to tour one of its newest 100% affordable housing projects in San Jose. Developers shared the how and why of decision making and guests got to see the project up close. A light dinner in the building’s community room was offered to all registrants at the end of the tour.
Planting Equity: Tree Planting for Affordable Housing Month
Hosted by Alta Housing
Trauma-Informed Design Workshop + Solaire Apartments Site Tour
Hosted by Eden Housing and Architects FORA
Eden Housing and Architects FORA collaborated on an educational workshop on Trauma-Informed Design (TID) principles and how these principles, in combination with Trauma-Informed Care provided by support staff, can foster a sense of control, safety, choice, collaboration, and empowerment for all residents – especially those who have experienced the trauma of housing instability. The workshop included emerging research, case study projects, and activity prompts on how to implement trauma-informed strategies. Attendees were invited on a scavenger hunt to find the examples of TID principles in action – within the design and operations of Solaire Apartments.
Solaire Apartments represents a thoughtful and innovative case study for TID, highlighting the role that affordable housing has to raise the bar for health and wellbeing. Through a careful balance of aesthetic beauty, functionality, and research-driven strategies, Solaire Apartments provides a safe, welcoming, and healing environment for low-income households and formerly homeless individuals. Its design elevates the resident experience by addressing physical, emotional, and social needs, ensuring the built environment fosters dignity, connection, and resilience.
Social Housing in America with Stanley Chang & Natalie Foster
Hosted by San Jose State University Institute of Metropolitan Studies
The idea of “social housing” has attained real attention in the United States in recent years as activists, legislators and policy thought leaders join the call for rethinking the role of government in American housing development. SJSU’s Institute for Metropolitan Studies presented a discussion of social housing with two leading voices in the movement, Hawaii State Senator Stanley Chang and author and President of the Economic Security Project Natalie Foster. Attendees explored policy approaches, the implications of social housing for the Bay Area and beyond, and what it will take to make it happen.
Farmworker Housing: Rights, Resources, and Advocacy for Farmworkers
Hosted by the Office of Supervisor Sylvia Arenas
In 2023, led by Supervisor Sylvia Arenas, the County of Santa Clara adopted a comprehensive farmworker housing workplan that highlights the need for the County to prioritize the needs of our farmworkers. The panel focused on the critical need for farmworker housing, while also serving as an informative workshop for farmworkers, providing them with valuable information about their rights and the resources available to them. The workshop reaffirmed our commitment to providing affordable housing to our farmworkers and supporting our immigrant community during these unprecedented times.
Strategies for Preserving Unsubsidized Affordable Housing
Hosted by Enterprise Community Partners
“If you build it, they will come,” or so the saying goes, but how about adding: “If you preserve it, they will stay?” Affordable housing preservation is a powerful tool for ensuring that homes remain affordable to working and low-income families, provides benefits that rent stabilization alone cannot, and is also a homelessness prevention strategy. This panel presentation shared three different models of affordable housing preservation, also known as “acquisition-rehabilitation,” that have been utilized in the South Bay in recent years and discussed the important role that various kinds of affordable housing groups, the public sector, and philanthropic groups can play in enabling this critical work.
Speakers included:
Heather Bromfield (moderator), Senior Program Director of Preservation, Enterprise Community Partners
Kate Comfort Harr, Executive Director, HIP Housing
Josefina Aguilar, Executive Director, South Bay Community Land Trust
Felix AuYeung, Vice President of Business Development, MidPen Housing
Beyond The Bridge: A Solution to Homelessness (Documentary Screening & Discussion with Filmmakers)
Hosted by Destination: Home and United Way Bay Area
This event was a free screening of “Beyond the Bridge: A Solution to Homelessness,” a new documentary about how we can solve this urgent challenge, presented in celebration of Affordable Housing Month. The film captures valuable insights on how communities can solve homelessness using an approach that is comprehensive, collaborative and driven by evidence.
Housing on Track: VTA & CORE Building the Future
Hosted by Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority and CORE
Join us for Housing on Track: VTA & CORE Building the Future. This is an exclusive opportunity to explore the future of transit-oriented development (TOD) and affordable housing in Santa Clara County. VTA’s TOD Program is dedicated to transforming underutilized land near transit stations into thriving, connected communities that provide access to housing, jobs, and transportation. This event will highlight one of these transformative projects and provide insight into upcoming opportunities for collaboration.
The event kicked off with guided tours of CORE’s latest affordable housing development, a transformative 135-unit community that includes an on-site daycare, designed to support families and individuals in need of stable, transit-accessible housing.
Following the tour, light refreshments were served and guests had the opportunity to connect with VTA staff, CORE, and housing advocates at a networking session where the following was discussed:
• VTA’s TOD Program – Insights into the vision and pipeline for transit-integrated communities.
• Current RFPs & Development Opportunities – Get the latest on available sites and upcoming partnerships on VTA land.
• VTA’s TOC Grant Program – Information on the upcoming TOC Grant NOFA (Notice of Funding Availability) supporting equitable transit-oriented communities.
• CORE’s Tamien Project Lease-Up – Information on the leasing process for this exciting new community.
This was a unique opportunity to see firsthand how TOD is shaping the region and to engage with partners driving the future of housing and transit.
Housing is Healthcare: A Teach-In on the Critical Connection Between Housing & Health
Hosted by Latinas Contra Cancer
Latinas Contra Cancer hosted Housing is Healthcare, a teach-in as part of Affordable Housing Month.
Housing is a health issue. Without stable and affordable housing, patients struggle to access care, manage chronic illnesses, and maintain their overall well-being. This teach-in explored the intersection of housing and health, discussed how housing insecurity disproportionately affects communities of color and low-income families, and introduce Latinas Contra Cancer’s new pilot program, Prescription Housing, happening within the Santa Clara County Health and Hospital System.
The discussion included what becomes possible when housing is viewed as a critical part of a patient’s care plan and how this program could change the way we address health disparities in our community.
IDD & Housing: Seeing the Gaps, Changing the Lens
Hosted by Housing Choices
Housing Choices hosted an engaging and action-driven workshop where they dove into the realities of housing challenges faced by individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Through interactive discussions and expert insights, attendees gained a deeper understanding of the barriers to inclusive housing—and how you can be part of the solution!
What Do I Do Now? Health and Housing Challenges When Aging Out of Foster Care
Hosted by Unity Care
Shaping Gilroy’s Future: Community Forum on Zoning & Growth
Hosted by Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County
Housing Affordability & Homelessness in Gilroy: The Facts, Challenges & Solutions
Hosted by Destination: Home
Destination: Home hosted a community conversation that went beyond misconceptions to address the realities of homelessness and how we can create lasting solutions. This event explored the latest data, root causes driving homelessness, and the critical role affordable housing plays in ending it.
It featured insights from a panel of local leaders and experts, we will highlight the power of cross-sector partnerships in driving change. Attendees gained a deeper understanding of the challenges our community faces and left equipped with the knowledge and tools to advocate for real, long-term solutions.
Mobile Home Preservation Resources
Hosted by Rebuilding Together Silicon Valley
RTSV is dedicated to preserving mobile homes, ensuring they remain a viable source of affordable housing. They work closely with Habitat for Humanity and CalHome, a state initiative that provides forgivable loans to mobile homeowners for significant repairs.
This program helps homeowners maintain safe and comfortable living conditions, contributing to the overall stability and revitalization of mobile home communities. Through their efforts, they aim to support and empower mobile homeowners, fostering a sense of security and community. RTSV took this opportunity to showcase the work they do to preserve mobile homes, share about their program, and specifically share about the CalHome program that provides forgivable loans to mobile homeowners for significant repairs.
SV@Home’s Annual Women Leading in Housing Brunch
SV@Home hosted the 3rd annual Women Leading in Housing Brunch at the Jamison-Brown House and Gardens in Santa Clara to reflect, heal, and empower each other as women leaders seeking justice in the housing movement. We invited both existing and the next generation of women housing leaders to be in community, while taking the next step in creating healthy, safe, and intersectional spaces for us all to thrive.
With Special Guest Speakers:
Tomiquia Moss — Secretary of the Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency
Noni Ramos — Chief Executive Officer, Housing Trust Silicon Valley
Rooted in Resistance: Housing, Land, and Liberation in a Shifting Political Landscape
Hosted by South Bay Community Land Trust and Mountain View Community Land Trust
This innovative session connected housing justice with current political realities and future strategies, providing a practical and action-oriented approach. Beyond technical discussions about Community Land Trusts (CLTs), it focused on movement-building and how these models can serve as tools for resistance and self-determination. Participants engaged in real-world problem-solving and explored concrete solutions.
Sandra Cisnero’s The House on Mango Street: 2025 Youth Production
A production by Teatro Vision
12-year-old Esperanza’s house is small and dark; she shares a room with her parents and her three siblings. But her dreams are so much bigger and stronger and full of hope than narrow Mango Street. The young performers cast of Teatro Vision brought this fun and spirited coming of age story to life.
The Future of Housing—Sibling-Led Advocacy & Innovative Solutions
Hosted by Life Services Alternatives
Life Services Alternatives hosted an eye-opening webinar featuring parents and siblings, as well as advocates of individuals with I/DD, as they share their personal experiences and insights on advocating for inclusive housing solutions. The discussion highlighted parent and sibling-led initiatives that have created new housing opportunities, explored creative alternatives to traditional group homes, and provided guidance on how anyone supporting an individual with I/DD can advocate for better housing policies and funding.
A sibling advocate also discussed the challenges they’ve faced, the impact it has had on their life, and how these experiences have shaped their advocacy efforts. This webinar was designed to empower all supporters of individuals with I/DD to take an active role in shaping the future of I/DD housing, while acknowledging the emotional journey that drives their advocacy.
SV@Home’s Foundations of Affordable Housing
Foundations of Affordable Housing was created to respond to community concerns and confusion about homelessness and housing affordability. Attendees will be better equipped to speak with everyone from city councilmembers to neighbors about affordable housing.
Members of the public often do not see a connection between building affordable housing and addressing homelessness or housing affordability. A better understanding of what affordable housing is and how it meets our communities’ needs will build community support to advance our shared goals: building and preserving more affordable housing and preventing homelessness and displacement of our community members. We believe that building this strong foundational knowledge about the value of affordable housing also lays the groundwork for critical new sources of funding for affordable housing and tenant protections — resources that can help address this regional challenge at a regional scale.
Financial Foundations—Sustaining Housing & Care for a Lifetime
Hosted by Life Services Alternatives
This session focused on the financial challenges faced by those supporting adults with I/DD when planning for long-term housing stability.
Topics included leveraging SSI, Section 8, and other benefits, using special needs trusts and ABLE accounts, and funding housing without jeopardizing benefits. Success stories will highlight sustainable housing planning, and LSA’s Executive Director shared insights on funding streams and financial resources.
It Takes a Village: Cross-Sector Networking for Child Care & Affordable Housing Co-Location
Hosted by LIIF and Silicon Valley Community Foundation
Co-locating affordable housing and child care facilities has benefits for affordable housing, child care providers, and the community. This networking event brought together stakeholders including developers, child care providers, architects, and consultants to share priorities, exchange perspectives and expertise, and make connections. During the event, there was a brief overview of the co-location concept, with the majority of the event focused on discussion among attendees. Bringing stakeholders together to create relationships and collaboratively problem solve can open the door leading to impactful co-located projects.
Immigrant Rights and Housing Justice – Why We Can’t Have One Without The Other
Hosted by South Bay Community Land Trust (SBCLT), SOMOS Mayfair, Amigos de Guadalupe, Latinos United for a New America (LUNA), Silicon Valley Law Foundation,, Sacred Heart Community Service (SHCS)
The actions of the new administration are putting many American communities at risk, including immigrant families, people of color, and the working class. These actions expose them to ongoing threats that jeopardize their livelihoods and well-being, eroding the social fabric that they’ve worked so hard to build.
The goal for this event was to educate participants on why the housing movement must take a firm stance against cooperation with ICE and advocate for a ban on evictions of non-citizens and mixed-status families. Preservation is a crucial tool in protecting our communities from these unjust practices.
Navigating the Regional Center System—A Parent’s Roadmap to Housing & Support
Hosted by Life Services Alternatives
Understanding and accessing Regional Center services can be overwhelming, but it is a crucial step in securing housing and long-term support for individuals with I/DD.
In this session, families, advocates, and other supporters shared their experiences navigating the system, while an LSA expert provided valuable insights on key resources, advocacy strategies, and overcoming common barriers.
Key topics will included the role of the Regional Center in housing and support, how to effectively advocate for services, funding, and housing options, and how to navigate common challenges.
This session equipped anyone supporting an individual with I/DD with the knowledge and tools needed to secure housing and essential services, ensuring that loved ones can thrive in a stable and supportive environment.
Building Collective Power: Housing Cooperatives as a Pathway to Stability and Ownership
Hosted by SOMOS Mayfair
We cannot ignore that the foundation of our collective well-being starts with having a home to call our own—one that is free from unjust evictions, offers a safe and healthy living environment, includes tenant protections, and ensures that rent doesn’t consume 30% to 80% of a family’s income.
An equitable housing system must create an ecosystem of stability and opportunity – one that provides a pathway to homeownership while equipping families with the resources, education, and economic opportunities needed to break the cycle of housing insecurity. This workshop explored housing cooperatives as a sustainable, community-driven solution to address social inequalities and the housing crisis, ensuring that affordable and stable housing is seen as a universal right, not a privilege, at the same time encouraging participants to critically examine their perceptions of what housing truly means in our society.
The Impact of Homelessness on Communities of Color: Addressing Latinx Homelessness in Silicon Valley Through a DEI Lens
Hosted by LifeMoves
LifeMoves hosted a thought-provoking discussion on how homelessness affects communities of color. Our panel of experts dove into the root causes, challenges, and potential solutions to this pressing issue. This event was a great opportunity to learn, engage, and connect with others who are passionate about creating positive change in our communities.
Unlocking Public Land for Affordable Housing
Hosted by LISC Bay Area
LISC Bay Area held a dynamic panel discussion, that brought together experts from the affordable housing sector to explore strategies for unlocking publicly owned land for housing. This conversation featured voices from diverse perspectives, including financing, development, community advocacy, and government, with a focus on overcoming barriers to creating affordable housing on public land.
Speakers discussed innovative solutions such as LISC Bay Area’s PLUS loan guarantee program, while exploring the challenges community developers face in accessing predevelopment financing. Community members and professionals to participated in this regional dialogue and contribute your thoughts on how we can better move affordable housing projects forward.
Youth Housing Summit Featuring SV@Home’s Executive Director, Regina Celestin Williams
The Fostering Promise Youth Housing Summit brought together a diverse group of thought leaders compelled by a common vision: to eradicate homelessness among youth aging out of foster care!
Breaking Ground in the Bay: Emerging Developers
Hosted by Forward City Labs
Recognizing the critical need for fresh perspectives and the challenges faced by emerging developers in the Affordable Housing industry, this unique workshop fostered an environment of empathy, deep collaboration, and the co-creation of genuinely innovative solutions. The core objective of this workshop was to develop practical tools and strategies that provide emerging developers with equitable leverage within the often complex and competitive affordable housing landscape. This included, but is not limited to, exploring innovative financing models, streamlining regulatory processes, fostering effective community partnerships, and promoting equitable access to resources and mentorship.
The 3-Part Workshop, followed by group presentation included:
- Informative and Engaging Presentations: Delivering essential knowledge on critical definitions of emerging developers and currently available resources.
- Interactive Strategy Games: Providing a dynamic and low-stakes environment to simulate real-world scenarios in affordable housing development faced by emerging developers, fostering strategic thinking, risk assessment, and collaborative decision-making.
- Focused Small-Group Problem-Solving: Utilizing a structured approach to deeply understand the needs and pain points of emerging developers. Participants will collaborate to brainstorm, prototype, and refine tangible resources and actionable strategies that directly address these challenges. This workshop is based on human-centered design principles, which allow collaboration to push boundaries.