The economic downturn in Silicon Valley continues to place individuals and families at risk of losing their homes. With an 11.8% unemployment rate this July, the prospect of maintaining a steady income has become difficult for many. This fact follows string of housing foreclosures within the last year that have impacted numerous local families. As a result, low-income populations in San Jose are increasingly in danger of ending up in motels, in their cars, and perhaps even on the streets.
One measure of hope amid this crisis is the Housing Services Partnership (HSP), a collaboration between the City of San José and EHC LifeBuilders to provide rental and housing deposit assistance for clients at risk of becoming homeless. HSP aims to effectively reduce homelessness through successful prevention measures such as affordable housing location and one-time financial assistance.
As the crisis worsened in the valley, EHC has seen a marked increase in clients experiencing homelessness as a result. According to HSP Program Manager, Joe Russo, “the need far outweighs the resources.” Russo cites an elderly population who now must rely solely on Social Security for income as a demographic of growing concern.
Last May, the Charles and Helen Schwab Foundation, recognizing the considerable need for programs like HSP, provided EHC with an additional grant to further assist HSP clients throughout Santa Clara County. In a time of great hardship, this sort of innovative partnership between concerned public and private agencies offers a vital resource for the thousands of adults, families, and children on the brink of homelessness in the community.