Across California, the housing crisis continues to put families at risk of displacement and homelessness. In Santa Clara County, families with children make up a significant share of the unhoused population – 1,679 people across 486 households, with 16 percent unsheltered and 84 percent staying in shelters – underscoring how deeply housing affordability affects parents trying to create stability for their kids, according to the Santa Clara County 2025 Point-in-Time Count.
Those numbers tell the story of a crisis – and for Rebecca, they became all too real.
Born and raised in San José, Rebecca spent years moving around Santa Clara County while struggling with addiction and housing instability. Becoming a mother reshaped her priorities and strengthened her determination to build a stable, secure future for her children.
“This home gave my family stability and community.”
After receiving treatment and temporary housing, Rebecca was referred to Vitalia Apartments through the county’s rapid rehousing program. Rapid rehousing helps families quickly transition from homelessness into stable housing by providing short-term rental assistance and supportive services that reduce the risk of returning to homelessness.
Developed by Affirmed Housing, Vitalia is an affordable housing community designed to serve both families and individuals exiting homelessness. The community was brought to life through the power of partnership – with critical financing from Santa Clara County’s Measure A Affordable Housing Bond alongside investments from public and private sector partners, including Housing Trust Silicon Valley, which supported the project with a $7.7 million acquisition loan through its TECH Fund with Google partners and the Capital Magnet Fund. Passed by voters in 2016, Measure A is a $950 million bond that is on track to fund more than 5,800 affordable housing units – surpassing its initial goal of 4,800.
Within weeks of completing her paperwork, Rebecca and her children moved into their new home.
At Vitalia, housing finally felt stable and secure for Rebecca’s family. The children have space to play, learn, and build friendships, and the family participates in onsite programming and community activities that foster connection and belonging.
With support from Community Solutions – the onsite service provider offering case management, family programming, and connections to employment and other resources – Rebecca successfully completed a job training program and began working at Sacred Heart Community Services. She credits the stability of affordable housing with helping her stay focused on her goals and providing consistency for her children.
“Living in this affordable community opened the door to a better future.”