Frequently Asked Questions

We focus on advocacy, education, and collaboration. That includes:

• Advancing housing policies at the local and state level
• Supporting cities and partners as they implement new housing laws
• Training current and future housing and civic leaders
• Convening stakeholders to solve problems together
• Educating the public about housing issues in clear, accessible ways

We don’t build housing ourselves, but our work helps make housing possible.

No. SV@Home is an independent nonprofit organization.

We work with cities, counties, and public agencies, but we are not part of government. That allows us to convene different perspectives, advocate for policy change, and provide training and support across jurisdictions.

We do have a sister 501 c(4) organization, SV@Home Action Fund, which allows us to address the housing crisis through civic engagement, legislative advocacy, and support or opposition of ballot measures that impact affordable housing and homelessness.

Silicon Valley has one of the most expensive housing markets in the country. That affects workers, families, seniors, students, and local businesses—and contributes directly to displacement and homelessness.

Housing challenges are regional and systemic. SV@Home exists to help communities move beyond piecemeal solutions and toward coordinated, long-term housing strategies.

Our work serves:

• Local governments and public agencies
• Affordable housing developers and service providers
• Nonprofits and advocacy organizations
• Employers and business leaders
• Community members who care about housing solutions
• Anyone who struggles to pay rent each month (teachers, families, essential workers, older adults, etc.)

Some people engage through membership, others through trainings, events, or policy work.

Yes. This is a core part of our work.

New housing laws can be complex. We help cities, elected officials, and staff understand what new policies require, how they interact with local planning, and how to implement them in ways that benefit local communities.

No. SV@Home does not develop housing, own property, or provide direct financing. Many of our member organizations develop housing and part of our role is to support them in their important work and to make sure that public policy supports them in their work.

Our role is upstream and systems-change: shaping the conditions—policy, funding, collaboration, and public understanding—that allow housing to move forward.

Housing developers build homes.
Financial institutions fund projects.

SV@Home works at the systems level. We focus on:

• Policy and advocacy
• Leadership development
• Education and narrative change
• Regional coordination

All of these are necessary to make housing solutions viable at scale.

We offer programs for people at different levels of familiarity with housing, including:

• Introductory trainings for those new to affordable housing
• Leadership development for emerging housing and civic leaders
• Workshops for elected officials and city staff
• Public education events, especially during Affordable Housing Month

Our goal is to make housing topics understandable, not intimidating.

Affordable Housing Month is an annual, countywide effort to educate, engage, and mobilize the public around housing solutions. It includes events, tours, trainings, and conversations hosted by SV@Home and our partners.

It’s designed to make housing issues visible and accessible to a broader audience.

Affordable housing generally means housing that costs no more than about 30% of a household’s income.

In practice, affordability is tied to local incomes, not market rents. Affordable homes serve a range of people, including teachers, service workers, seniors, families, and people on fixed incomes.

Our members include cities, nonprofits, developers, businesses, and individuals committed to advancing housing solutions in Santa Clara County.Membership provides opportunities to engage more deeply in advocacy, learning, and collaboration. Learn more about membership.

Yes. Individuals can engage by:

• Attending events and trainings
• Signing up for email updates
• Participating in Affordable Housing Month
• Supporting our work as members or donors

You don’t need to be a housing expert to get involved.

Local officials and staff often engage with us through:

• Policy briefings and discussions
• Trainings and workshops
• Regional convenings
• Collaboration on housing implementation challenges

We aim to be a resource, not just an advocate.

A good place to start is our introductory trainings, public events, or educational resources. We’re intentional about meeting people where they are.

• Foundations of Affordable Housing series
• Attend an Affordable Housing Month event 
• Subscribe to our newsletter where we regularly break down housing issues in the community

You can sign up for our newsletter, follow our events calendar, or reach out directly through our website. We’re always happy to connect.