Unrestricted support from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott will accelerate lending, expand homeownership, fuel policy and innovation, and strengthen organizational impact across the Bay Area
San Jose, CA – September 30, 2025 – Housing Trust Silicon Valley today shared its 10-year plan for transforming a $30 million unrestricted gift from MacKenzie Scott’s Yield Giving into long-term housing solutions across the Bay Area. The announcement marks a milestone in Housing Trust’s 25-year history and sets the stage for a decade of deeper community impact.
“This gift allows us to take bold steps at a critical moment,” said Noni Ramos, CEO of Housing Trust Silicon Valley. “It shows real trust in our ability to deliver and with that comes the responsibility and freedom to accelerate and scale what’s working, take calculated risks on new ideas, and grow our reach so more of our neighbors can find the stability of a home.”
As Housing Trust marks its 25th anniversary this year and prepares to host its Investor Briefing on October 15th, the $30 million gift provides a springboard for the next decade of progress fueling momentum at a time when housing challenges require bold, sustained action.
Guided by thoughtful input from staff, board, and community stakeholders, Housing Trust has designed a plan with five major initiatives – a roadmap to direct the $30 million gift over the next decade toward greater housing opportunity and organizational strength:
- Lending Capital & New Products – Expanding the organization’s core revolving loan fund and piloting new tools to meet developers’ changing needs. More details on this initiative will be shared at Housing Trust’s Investor Briefing on October 15th.
- Homeownership Expansion – Beginning in 2026, Housing Trust will extend its first-time homebuyer programs to reach more households across a wider geography.
- Policy & Partnerships – Hiring new staff in the coming months to strengthen advocacy and cross-sector collaboration that can unlock more resources and affordable housing opportunities.
- Impact Measurement & Management – Launching a new framework in early 2026 to better track, evaluate, and communicate results for residents, communities, and the region.
- Innovation Investments – Supporting mission-driven housing innovations that can reduce costs, shorten development timelines, and increase affordability.
“This isn’t just about one-time dollars – it’s about building momentum that compounds over time,” said Lisa Gutierrez, Housing Trust Board Chair and Senior VP and Director of Business Development with U.S. Bank. “By putting these funds to work strategically, we can attract new partners, expand homeownership opportunities, and make loans to create and preserve affordable rental housing in ways we were not able to before. Just as importantly, we’re strengthening Housing Trust itself so it can keep growing its impact well into the future. It’s about turning generosity into durable solutions for Bay Area families.”
Since its founding in 2000, Housing Trust has invested more than $690 million, creating over 28,700 affordable housing opportunities and helping more than 53,800 neighbors find homes they can afford. This work has leveraged nearly $9 billion in additional public and private capital.
“As we celebrate 25 years, we invite partners, investors, and community members to join us in amplifying the impact of this extraordinary gift,” Ramos added. “Together, we can create a Bay Area where safe, stable housing is within reach for everyone.”
Learn more at housingtrustsv.org.
About Housing Trust Silicon Valley
Housing Trust Silicon Valley is a regional Bay Area CDFI (Community Development Financial Institution) advancing affordable housing solutions through innovative finance and public-private partnerships. Since 2000, Housing Trust has invested over $690 million, creating more than 28,700 housing opportunities and helping 53,800 neighbors find homes they can afford, while leveraging $9 billion with its partners. For more information, visit housingtrustsv.org.
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