“I am thankful for the things that most people take for granted: being able to lock my door, having a mailbox, and being able to cook in my own kitchen,” shared Kimberly. “Before I came to Vela, I saw a lot of scary situations and had a hard time getting any sleep. Now I can rest because I feel safe. It feels so good to have my own home.” 

— Kimberly

Vela Apartments Transforms Lives in San José’s Mayfair Community

Diane, Frances, and Kimberly have long considered San José their home. But each fell upon hard times and were unhoused for several years before finding a place to call home. Through their own resilience and the help of mission-driven affordable housing developer Affirmed Housing – along with public and private partners – each of their lives have been transformed as new community members of Vela Apartments in the historic east San José Mayfair neighborhood. Housing Trust is proud to have supported this community with early financing. 

“This place saved my life,” shared Frances. “I was homeless for four years before I came to Vela. Though I went through a lot of difficulties and have had a lot of medical challenges, I was determined to end my homelessness. I am so happy to have a safe and healing home.” 

Born and raised in San José, Frances grew up middle class and attended a local private school. Living with Type 1 diabetes from the age of 12 eventually led to amputating parts of her feet and left her unable to walk. After she was discharged from the hospital, she became homeless with nowhere to go. She ended up living in an encampment. Yet despite her health challenges, Frances never gave up.