Santa Clara County proposes funding for 13 low-income service projects

On April 4, 2025, the County of Santa Clara Housing and Community Development Advisory Committee convened to discuss critical funding recommendations aimed at addressing the pressing needs of low-income residents. The meeting highlighted a series of public service projects that are expected to provide essential services to approximately 1,500 individuals, including legal assistance, temporary housing, case management, and support for at-risk youth.

The proposed funding recommendations encompass a diverse range of initiatives, such as mentorship programs, fair housing services, and financial support for home repairs for low-income homeowners. The committee is closely monitoring the federal funding landscape, particularly the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME funding, which have historically enjoyed bipartisan support. The public comment period for the draft annual action plan is now open and will close on June 3, with plans to present the finalized plan to the Board of Supervisors in June.

Several community organizations presented their cases for continued funding during the meeting. Sujatha Venkataraman, Executive Director of West Valley Community Services, emphasized the importance of their programs that provide food assistance, case management, and housing stability support. Melanie Ford from Upwards highlighted the challenges faced by childcare providers in Santa Clara County, advocating for funding to strengthen these essential services that support working families.

Jonathan Darr from Nexstar Solutions discussed the critical role of domestic violence shelters, noting their commitment to serving all individuals in need without turning anyone away. Carol Conn, Executive Director of Project Sentinel, underscored the importance of fair housing initiatives in combating discrimination and supporting vulnerable populations.

The meeting also addressed concerns raised by community members regarding funding allocations, particularly in Los Altos, where a significant amount of funding has been directed towards a 100% affordable housing development. The committee clarified that these funds are intended for community projects rather than individual homes, aiming to enhance accessibility and support for seniors.

As the committee moves forward, the discussions from this meeting reflect a concerted effort to address the housing crisis and support vulnerable populations in Santa Clara County. The anticipated next steps include finalizing the annual action plan and continuing to engage with community stakeholders to ensure that funding effectively meets the needs of those it aims to serve.