Mountain View declares May Affordable Housing Month with local organizations' support

The May 13, 2025, joint meeting of the Mountain View City Council and Shoreline Regional Park Community focused on the proclamation of May as Affordable Housing Month. The meeting began with the introduction of Spanish translation services to ensure inclusivity for all attendees.

Mayor Ellen Kamei presented the proclamation, highlighting the significance of affordable housing as a basic human right. She emphasized the struggles faced by thousands of families in Silicon Valley to secure affordable homes in one of the nation's most expensive housing markets. The mayor noted that affordable housing is crucial for building stable families and resilient communities.

The proclamation recognized the collaborative efforts of local organizations in addressing housing needs. Roger Kinoshita, Senior Vice President of Jamboree Housing, accepted the proclamation on behalf of his organization. He praised the partnership with the city, which led to the transformation of the Crestview Hotel into the Hartwood Apartments, a 49-unit supportive housing community for youth transitioning out of foster care and families at risk of homelessness. Kinoshita acknowledged the contributions of various partners, including the Santa Clara County Office of Supportive Housing and the Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Olga Mello, co-founder of the Mountain View Community Land Trust, also spoke, highlighting the organization's commitment to preserving housing for vulnerable communities and its role in the city's Community Ownership Action Plan Advisory Committee. She emphasized the importance of innovative housing options and tenant involvement in governance.

The meeting concluded with a call to action for community members to support affordable housing initiatives and recognize the ongoing efforts of local partners in delivering innovative housing solutions. The city council expressed its commitment to continue working towards inclusive and diverse communities.