West Valley Community Services advocates for affordable housing and safety net programs in Cupertino

During the Cupertino City Council meeting on April 15, 2025, a strong emphasis was placed on the importance of community support services, particularly for low-income residents. Sujatha, the executive director of West Valley Community Services, expressed gratitude for the council's detailed report and the housing commission's recommendation to fund essential safety net programs. She highlighted the significance of initiatives like the CARE program and the Haven to Home program, which aim to assist vulnerable populations in Cupertino.

Sujatha urged the council to approve the housing commission's recommendations, particularly the Mary Avenue project, which promises to deliver affordable and inclusive housing. She emphasized that these efforts are crucial for enhancing the safety net services available to community members.

Following her, Georgia Basile, the directing attorney of Senior Adults Legal Assistance, spoke about the free legal services provided to low-income seniors in Cupertino. She noted that a significant portion of their clients are elderly and at risk of losing their independence. Georgia thanked the council for their funding, which has allowed for expanded services, including monthly appointments at the Cupertino Senior Center and emergency support for those unable to leave their homes.

The discussions underscored the city council's commitment to supporting vulnerable populations through housing and legal assistance, with hopes for continued funding and community development initiatives.