Supporting Our Seniors
In Santa Clara, 70% of senior households fall within the low to extremely low-income brackets. Due to challenges such as high housing costs and fixed incomes, many seniors lack housing options, are priced out, or are unable to afford homes. Affordable housing is essential to making Santa Clara a livable, multigenerational community for all of its citizens.
The Agrihood Community
The residence is designed for seniors and senior veterans, with 181 affordable housing units allocated to those 55 and older. A diverse coalition of Santa Clarans, including seniors, veterans, farmers, nonprofits, educators, and neighbors participated in a community-driven process led by The Core Companies to design and shape the housing project.
Housing Trust Silicon Valley supported the project early in the process and provided a $2.25 million loan in 2016, as well as a $5.5 million loan in 2018 from their TECH Fund, both for predevelopment. The project broke ground in 2021 and opened its doors to residents in September 2023.
Today, Agrihood provides housing for 200 senior residents whose lives have changed for the better. Nonprofit on-site partner Community Solutions provides ongoing support services and resources to the seniors who require them. Beyond basic living necessities, they provide recreational opportunities, community-building events, and educational resources that enrich the lives of the residents.
“When people are in despair, they care less, because they are focused on surviving,” says Angelica (Angel) Marie Sterling, Program Manager at Community Solutions. “Here, we even have our resource wall in the office. If residents need something, like groceries, or if they are looking for a job, they can check our resource wall, and we will help them however we can. It’s tough work, it’s hard, but I love it. I love seeing people in a better place.”
“When people are in despair, they care less, because they are focused on surviving,” says Angelica (Angel) Marie Sterling, Program Manager at Community Solutions. “Here, we even have our resource wall in the office. If residents need something, like groceries, or if they are looking for a job, they can check our resource wall, and we will help them however we can. It’s tough work, it’s hard, but I love it. I love seeing people in a better place.”
Caring for seniors and unhoused neighbors makes our communities better. It takes all of us to solve the housing crisis. Learn more about how the lives of our neighbors are changed for good.
Nestled by the vibrant shopping district bordering Santa Clara and San Jose, Agrihood is the first of its kind: an urban farm community connecting contemporary urban living with Santa Clara’s rich agricultural past.
Meet the Residents
Meet Brenda
Brenda, a senior citizen, decided to live on her own for the first time 12 years ago. But she didn’t have a plan. “Eventually, I was staying along the railroad tracks.” Read more about her journey to Agrihood.
Meet Deborah
As a single mom, Deborah always wanted a better living environment, one where she felt respected and appreciated. She chose to leave her family home, even if it meant that she would be homeless. “I had a car – I was blessed. I had my stuff in storage. But it was hard.” Read more on how Agrihood gave her peace of mind.
Meet Lawrence
Witnessing the abuse of his mother at a young age, Lawrence did the unthinkable. But he never let his past define his future. “I never had anything. I just have what the good Lord has provided for me. I thank everyone here for this. It means something for me.” Read more on how Lawrence found home at Agrihood.