RENTAL SUPPORT

2019 Tenant Protection Act

On October 8, Governor Gavin Newsom signed California Assembly Bill 1482, the Tenant Protection Act of 2019. The Bill takes effect January 1, 2020, and sunsets on January 1, 2030. AB 1482 includes annual rent increase caps of 5 percent plus inflation or 10 percent, whichever is lower; protections for just cause and no-fault evictions; relocation assistance; and revised tenant noticing requirements. Most multifamily rental properties that are at least 15 years old are subject to this law. For more information, including the full text of the legislation, please visit the California Legislative Information website. If you are a Cupertino tenant or landlord in need of assistance, please contact Project Sentinel at 408-720-9888.

Project Sentinel Fact Sheet Tenants Together Tenant Advocacy Toolkit

Project Sentinel

Project Sentinel is a non-profit organization and a HUD-Approved Housing Counseling Agency. They offer rental support services such as free, neutral, and confidential dispute resolution, as well as mediation services for landlords, tenants, homeowners, and neighbors. They also provide homeownership support such as first time home buyer education, mortgage delinquency counseling, and a variety of other housing related services.

Housing Discrimination Services

During COVID-19, Project Sentinel will provide remote mediation and conciliation services for landlords and tenants in need of addressing rent issues and resolving disputes. Phone: 408.720.9888 or 888.324.7468

Housing Authority of the County of Santa Clara

The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) program is HACSC’s largest rental assistance program with about 17,000 participants. The “housing choice voucher” is a 100% federally funded rental subsidy for low-income households living in privately owned rental units. HACSC voucher holders in the Moving to Work (MTW) program pay 32% of their gross income toward rent (or a minimum rent of $50, whichever is higher), and the agency pays the balance of the rent directly to the landlords on behalf of the families. Voucher holders are also required to pay that portion of their lease contract rent that is above HACSC’s payment standard for their unit size.

HOMEOWNERSHIP SUPPORT

Project Sentinel

Project Sentinel is a non-profit organization and a HUD-Approved Housing Counseling Agency. They provide homeownership support such as first time home buyer education, mortgage delinquency counseling, and a variety of other housing related services. They also offer rental support such as free, neutral, and confidential dispute resolution, as well as mediation services for landlords, tenants, homeowners, and neighbors.  

Homeowner Housing Counseling Services

Rebuilding Together Silicon Valley

Now more than ever before a safe place to call home is of the utmost importance. Rebuilding Together Silicon Valley (RTSV) is a nonprofit that has spent 30 years serving our neighbors here locally through the belief that everyone deserves to live in a safe and healthy home. Their free Safe At Home and Critical Repairs programs are available for qualified homeowners in need across Santa Clara County. To find out if you qualify or for more information about the work that RTSV does in your neighborhood please visit RTSV.

Housing Trust Silicon Valley (HTSV)

Homebuyer Empowerment Loan Program (HELP)

The HELP program assists middle-income first-time homebuyers with incomes that are slightly higher than most down payment assistance programs will allow. This program will help households whose incomes are up to 140% of the Area Median Income (AMI) to purchase a market-rate primary residence. HELP is an equity (appreciation) share program with a deferred loan of thirty (30) years and down payment assistance of up to 10% of the purchase price. The Program Market Area covers Santa Clara County and the San Mateo County cities of East Palo Alto and Menlo Park. Visit the events calendar to see monthly scheduled workshops and HUD approved homebuyer education classes. 

Empower Homebuyers Santa Clara County

Empower Homebuyers is a 2016 Measure A down payment assistance program created by the County of Santa Clara and administered by HTSV.

This thirty (30) year deferred loan program will offer first-time homebuyers up to 30% of the purchase price (maximum loan amount of $250,000) in down payment assistance, with no maximum purchase price. This programs has an equity (appreciation) share component in lieu of interest. Empower Homebuyers is intended to put the dream of home ownership within reach for low to moderate income people- including nonprofit workers, teachers, healthcare professionals, county employees and others- who live or work in and are trying to buy a home in Santa Clara County. 

Finally HOME Program

The Finally Home Security Deposit program provides a one-time grant up to $2,500 to individuals and families moving to permanent sustainable housing. Priority is given to individuals or families with the greatest need, who can sustainably remain in permanent housing and are able to demonstrate long-term self-sufficiency.

Santa Clara County Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC) Program

The MCC Program, authorized by Congress in 1984, provides financial assistance to first-time homebuyers. The Santa Clara County MCC tax credit reduces the federal income taxes of qualified Borrowers purchasing qualified homes; thus having the effect of a mortgage subsidy. The current tax credit rate is 15% of the interest paid to the Lender on the first loan or up to 15% based upon an individuals personal tax situation. The MCC will reduce the amount of federal income taxes otherwise due to the federal government from the Borrower; however, the mortgage tax credit cannot be claimed as a refund. MCC Borrowers may consider adjusting their federal income tax withholdings so as to benefit on a monthly basis from the MCC. For more information on how to claim the tax credit refer to IRS Publication 530.

Habitat for Humanity Silicon Valley

Over the past 30 years Habitat for Humanity East Bay/Silicon Valley has served over 8,000 individuals in Alameda, Contra Costa, and Santa Clara counties by providing affordable homeownership opportunities to low-income families who meet three criteria:

• Earn an income between 30%-80% of area median income, as defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
• Have a need for housing.
• Are willing to partner with Habitat for Humanity and contribute hundreds of hours of sweat equity hours to the construction of their own home, or their neighbor's home. Phone: 408.942.6444

HOMELESS SUPPORT

West Valley Community Services Haven to Home Program

Nothing is more important than having a roof over your head, and the Haven to Home Program was created to provides supportive services and access to stable housing resources for homeless and chronically homeless individuals and families. Working closely with our staff,  clients secure permanent affordable housing, find and maintain employment, and work toward developing greater stability and independence.

Santa Clara County Homeless Prevention System

The Homelessness Prevention System (HPS) program provides assistance to low-income families or individuals who are at risk of losing their housing, including:

• Temporary Financial Assistance
• Legal Support
• Case Management and Other Services

Contact HPS at 408-926-8885 or info@preventhomelessness.org to learn more and determine eligibility for assistance.

2019 Santa Clara County Homeless Census & Survey

Every two years, during the last 10 days of January, communities across the country conduct comprehensive Point-In-Time (PIT) counts of their homeless populations to measure the prevalence of homelessness in their communities. Communities collect information on individuals and families sleeping in emergency shelters and transitional housing, as well as people sleeping on the streets, in cars, in abandoned properties, or in other places not meant for human habitation.  The 2019 Santa Clara County Homeless Census & Survey was released on July 12, 2019.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT

2016 Measure A General Obligation Affordable Housing Bond

In November 2016, Santa Clara County voters approved Measure A – the $950 million affordable housing bond. The housing bond provides the County with an unprecedented opportunity to partner with cities, residents, and the affordable and supportive housing community to significantly address the housing needs of the community’s poorest and most vulnerable residents. It will provide affordable housing for vulnerable populations including veterans, seniors, the disabled, low and moderate income individuals or families, foster youth, victims of abuse, the homeless and individuals suffering from mental health or substance abuse illnesses. The bond proceeds would contribute to the creation and/or preservation of approximately 5,100 affordable housing units.

• Increasing the scope and breadth of supportive housing for special needs populations, including homeless and chronically homeless persons;
• Increasing the supply of housing that is affordable to extremely low income (ELI) households; and,
• Improving coordination and collaboration among the County, the cities, other governmental agencies, and the affordable housing community.

The County of Santa Clara Office of Supportive Housing released the Measure A Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) in September, 2017.  Measure A funding is available on a rolling basis for development capital funding, project based vouchers, and acquisition funding.  Interested developers can submit an application for Measure A funds through the Measure A NOFA.

HOME Funds

The Home Investment Partnerships Program ("HOME Program") is federally funded by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to provide decent affordable housing to lower income households. The HOME Program is administered by Santa Clara County on behalf of the Urban County cities and the Cities of Cupertino, Gilroy, and Palo Alto. Interested developers can submit an application for HOME Program funds through the Measure A NOFA.

HOMELESS SUPPORT

Resources/Hotlines to Assist Persons Experiencing Homelessness:

Homeless Helpline (regular business hours): The County of Santa Clara provides essential services including public health and environmental protection, medical and preventative services through Santa Clara Valley Health & Hospital System, child and adult protection services, homelessness prevention and solutions, and scores of other services, particularly for those members of our community in the greatest need. Contact the County of Santa Clara Office of Supportive Housing at (408) 278-6400 to ask for assistance or report a homeless person in need in Santa Clara County. 

Resources for Persons Experiencing Homelessness: 

Here for You Coordinated Shelter Hotline (9am-7pm, 7 days/week support): (408) 385-2400

Call 2-1-1 (24 hour support): for health and human services in Santa Clara County.

West Valley Community Services Haven to Home Program

The Haven to Home (HTH) Program serves the unhoused members of the community. The HTH program was created to provide supportive services and resources and create a pathway to stability for those experiencing homelessness. The Haven to Home program offers unhoused clients: housing assessment for the country queue, access to WVCS Market for food needs, uplift bus passes for transportation needs, laundry quarters, hygiene kits, referrals to shelters, safe parking, and employment resources.  

Santa Clara County Homeless Prevention System

The Homelessness Prevention System (HPS) program provides assistance to low-income families or individuals who are at risk of losing their housing, including:

• Temporary Financial Assistance
• Legal Support
• Case Management and Other Services

Contact HPS at 408-926-8885 or info@preventhomelessness.org to learn more and determine eligibility for assistance.

West Valley Rotating Safe Car Park Program

The City of Cupertino has partnered with the West Valley Rotating Safe Car Park (RSCP) Program, which is a collaboration of faith-based communities, local city governments, and other service organizations. The RSCP is an emergency homeless program made up of a network of volunteer sites that host overnight guests for up to 2 months on an annual rotating basis. RSCP allows for temporary overnight parking for homeless individuals or families living out of their cars as a safe alternative to sleeping on the streets or in a homeless shelter. The program connects homeless individuals and families with hospitality and case management services. RSCP participants are required to undergo an assessment and screening, own a functioning vehicle, and be enrolled in a case management program. For more information, please visit the West Valley RSCP.

2019 Santa Clara County Homeless Census & Survey

Every two years, during the last 10 days of January, communities across the country conduct comprehensive Point-In-Time (PIT) counts of their homeless populations to measure the prevalence of homelessness in their communities. Communities collect information on individuals and families sleeping in emergency shelters and transitional housing, as well as people sleeping on the streets, in cars, in abandoned properties, or in other places not meant for human habitation. The 2019 Santa Clara County Homeless Census & Survey was released on July 12, 2019.

City Process for Assisting Unhoused Individuals (September 16, 2022)

The City supports unhoused individuals through the following process.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT

2016 Measure A General Obligation Affordable Housing Bond

In November 2016, Santa Clara County voters approved Measure A – the $950 million affordable housing bond. The housing bond provides the County with an unprecedented opportunity to partner with cities, residents, and the affordable and supportive housing community to significantly address the housing needs of the community’s poorest and most vulnerable residents. It will provide affordable housing for vulnerable populations including veterans, seniors, the disabled, low and moderate income individuals or families, foster youth, victims of abuse, the homeless and individuals suffering from mental health or substance abuse illnesses. The bond proceeds would contribute to the creation and/or preservation of approximately 5,100 affordable housing units.

• Increasing the scope and breadth of supportive housing for special needs populations, including homeless and chronically homeless persons;
• Increasing the supply of housing that is affordable to extremely low income (ELI) households; and,
• Improving coordination and collaboration among the County, the cities, other governmental agencies, and the affordable housing community.

The County of Santa Clara Office of Supportive Housing released the Measure A Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) in September, 2017.  Measure A funding is available on a rolling basis for development capital funding, project based vouchers, and acquisition funding.  Interested developers can submit an application for Measure A funds through the Measure A NOFA.

HOME Funds

The Home Investment Partnerships Program ("HOME Program") is federally funded by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to provide decent affordable housing to lower income households. The HOME Program is administered by Santa Clara County on behalf of the Urban County cities and the Cities of Cupertino, Gilroy, and Palo Alto. Interested developers can submit an application for HOME Program funds through the Measure A NOFA.