Dear Friends, Partners, and Neighbors,

When I was young, my family faced housing insecurity. I still remember the relief when we were finally able to move into an affordable home. That home gave us stability – a foundation that made it possible for my family to move forward with dignity and hope. It’s why I believe so deeply that housing changes everything.

This year, as Housing Trust Silicon Valley marks 25 years, that personal experience feels especially resonant. Our theme, Progress and Possibility: 25 Years of Partnership, reflects both how far we’ve come and the promise of what we can achieve together. Since our founding, we’ve invested more than $690 million, helping to create over 28,700 homes and opening doors for 53,800 neighbors across the greater Bay Area. With partners across public, private, and philanthropic sectors, we’ve leveraged $9 billion to multiply that impact.

Over the past year, we launched the inaugural Capital for Capacity grant program to strengthen community-rooted developers, sunset the successful Empower Homebuyers program in Santa Clara County after supporting 96 households, and introduced the new Home Access Program in Contra Costa and Alameda Counties to expand pathways to homeownership. We also helped create or preserve nearly 1,400 affordable apartments across seven counties in our region, advancing both rental and ownership opportunities. Regional milestones such as Measure A in Santa Clara County – which exceeded its housing goal by 38% – reflect the broader momentum we’re proud to be part of. And last fall, we were humbled to receive a $30 million gift from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott – an extraordinary vote of confidence in our mission and future.

Yet this progress comes at a difficult moment. Across the Bay Area, more than half of renter households are cost-burdened, public funding streams are shrinking, and CDFIs and the communities we serve face growing political headwinds. The need has never been greater, and our collective work has never been more urgent.

I am thankful for the leadership of our board, whose guidance shapes our work, and the dedication of our staff, whose passion drives our progress every day. As we celebrate 25 years, I am inspired by what we’ve achieved together and energized by the road ahead. Together, we can continue turning possibility into progress – creating communities where every neighbor has the chance to live, grow, and thrive.

With gratitude,

Noni Ramos
Chief Executive Officer,
Housing Trust Silicon Valley

Noni Ramos, CEO

"The need has never been greater, and our collective work has never been more urgent."