Success Stories

Empowered by Home: Helen, Andrew, and Nancy Find Hope in a New Home

Helen and her parents Andrew and Nancy immigrated from Vietnam just a few years ago with the hope of a better life and opportunity in the United States. They dreamed of owning a home, but between switching jobs and moving often to different apartments, they imagined it might take another decade. The Empower Homebuyers SCC…

Success Stories

Empowered by Home: From Section 8 Housing to First-Time Homeownership

Michael remembers the days of growing up in section 8 housing in Los Angeles and living on food stamps. His parents, both immigrants from Vietnam, worked hard to provide for their family of five and teach their children the power of perseverance. As the eldest son, Michael became the first in his family to meet…

Success Stories

Steve’s Story

Meet Steve! Steve is a native to the Bay Area and found professional success in sales for high tech companies. As a member of the LGBTQ community, he experienced a lot of traumas after losing many friends from the AIDS crisis when he lived in San Francisco. After working in several different markets and traveling…

Success Stories

Ms. Patti’s Story

Meet Ms. Patti! At 70 years old, Ms. Patti still loves to laugh. She is a mother of two, has two grandchildren, and is now one of the newest residents at PATH Villas at 4th Street in San Jose. Her career as a bakery manager was cut short by health issues, including seizures that left…

Success Stories

Colleen’s Story

Meet Colleen and Pinky! Colleen spent much of her career as a mental health crisis intake specialist but lost her job because of her abusive relationship. That led to her losing her home, which left her teenage son, elderly mother, and herself to all live in their compact car. Her son eventually was able to…

Success Stories

Isaac’s Story

Isaac grew up on the same block as Page Street Studios, Charities Housing’s new affordable housing complex located in the West San Carlos Urban Village area. With a smile, he remembers standing at his grandmother’s doorway and peering down the street with his cousins. “Now I’m standing here looking down that way, and it’s kind…

Success Stories

Staff Spotlight

Jesus Magaña brings a deep understanding of the power and impact of affordable housing to his work at Housing Trust Silicon Valley. As the Finance Manager, he holds seven years of experience in budgeting, forecasting, data analysis, and strategic planning. “As a product of affordable housing, I’m grateful for the work of affordable housing developers…

Success Stories

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…