Life Moves requests funding for case management services at Palo Alto's Opportunity Services Center

The Santa Clara County Housing and Community Development Advisory Committee convened on April 4, 2025, to discuss critical funding requests aimed at addressing homelessness and housing accessibility in the region. Among the key topics was a proposal from Life Moves, a nonprofit organization dedicated to ending homelessness. Sarah Fields, the organization’s Director of Community Engagement and Public Affairs, highlighted the need for funding to support case management services at the Opportunity Services Center (OSC) in Palo Alto. This center serves as a vital resource for individuals experiencing homelessness, offering essential services such as meals, showers, and case management aimed at connecting clients with permanent housing.

Fields reported that last year, approximately 40% of OSC clients successfully transitioned to permanent housing, showcasing the effectiveness of their programs. The requested funding is expected to directly benefit 24 individuals, contributing to the broader goal of serving the 720 clients who accessed services at the OSC in the past fiscal year.

Another significant discussion came from Angelica Holguin, Director of Programs at the Silicon Valley Independent Living Center. She expressed gratitude for the county's ongoing support in providing safe and affordable housing for low-income individuals with disabilities and older adults. Holguin emphasized the importance of their housing workshops and one-on-one counseling services, which reached 129 clients last year.

The meeting also addressed concerns raised by community members regarding funding allocations, particularly a 100% affordable housing development in Los Altos known as Distal Circle. Committee members expressed a desire for clarity on these funding decisions, reflecting the community's interest in ensuring that resources are effectively utilized to meet local housing needs.

As the committee continues to evaluate these proposals, the outcomes of their discussions will play a crucial role in shaping housing support services across Santa Clara County, directly impacting the lives of many residents in need.