News - About SCCHA | Santa Clara County Housing Authority

Construction Advisory - Week of February 18, 2019

Week of February 18th, SCCHA will be making improvements to our lobby. During this time the agency will be open for business during regular business hours; however, please note visitors may experience parking restrictions and/or limited wait space. Although we will make all efforts to limit disruption to our customers, during renovations we encourage customers to utilize our Drop Box, located outside the main entrance, as well as call our Customer Call Center at 408-275-8770.

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Update: Federal Government Shutdown

Jan 14, 2019 10:36 AM

UPDATE: FEDERAL GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN January 14, 2019 The Santa Clara County Housing Authority will remain open and expects to continue normal business operations with no impact to program participants, property owners, vendors, and employees. Sufficient funds are available to support Housing Authority operations through February 2019. We will continue to monitor the situation in Washington, D.C. and provide updates as they become available.

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Leasing Information - Laurel Grove

FPI Management is handling leasing at Laurel Grove Family Apartments. All eligible applicants already on SCCHA’s Section 8 project-based voucher waitlist have priority to reside at the property. New applicants may add their names to the property's interest list by sending an email with their name and desired unit size to laurelgrove.lease@fpimgt.com. New applicants may also visit the temporary property management office location at Huff Gardens, 3021 Huff Ave. in San José, or call 408-564-5849.

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Housing Quality Standards (HQS) Inspection Scheduling

SCCHA has partnered with Nan McKay and Associates Inspections, LLC (NMAI), to conduct Housing Quality Standard (HQS) inspections. Beginning September 1, 2018, NMAI will start to coordinate the scheduling of HQS inspections with owners and program participants. Clients will be notified by NMAI of a scheduled inspection by U.S. Mail, email and/or telephone. Immediate assistance or questions, contact (408) 993-4067 or email at inspections@nanmckay.com.

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August Newsletter 2018

Board Approves FY 2019 Operating Budget, Agency in Sound Fiscal Condition; Strive Program Awards $29,000 in Scholarships; All the Way Home Houses 1,122 Veterans; Community Resource Fair; Meet Our Staff: Training and Outreach Team

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FY19 MTW Annual Plan Public Notice of Hearing

Feb 20, 2018 02:49 PM

The Santa Clara County Housing Authority (SCCHA) has developed its Draft Moving to Work (MTW) Annual Plan for fiscal year 2019. A public hearing on the draft plan will be held February 28, 2018 from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

January Newsletter 2018

Jan 23, 2018 10:25 AM

Helping to Build More Homes Through Measure A; Recent Property Acquisitions Expand and Preserve Affordable Housing; Event Celebrates Landlords' Compassion

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Owner Newsletter – Fall 2017

Vacancy Payments, Tenant Ordinances Information, Section 8 Owner Survey, Upcoming Owner/Agent Workshops.

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Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA)

SCC’s Office of Supportive Housing (OSH) & the SCC Housing Authority (SCCHA) announce the availability of funding for the development of new affordable housing for vulnerable populations.

Santa Clara County Housing Authority Finalizes Purchase of Buena Vista Mobile Home Park

SAN JOSE, Calif. — Sept. 29, 2017 — The Santa Clara County Housing Authority (SCCHA) has finalized the purchase of the Buena Vista Mobile Home Park in Palo Alto, Calif., paving the way for the Housing Authority and the park’s new operator, Caritas Corporation, to begin the design and permitting of infrastructure and other needed improvements to the site.

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August Newsletter 2017

HUD Funding Covers Current Lease Costs, Shopping Vouchers; SCCHA Awards $50,000 in Strive Program Scholarships; Agency Continues Yearlong 50th Anniversary Celebration; Loving and O’Neal Elected Chair and Vice Chair of Board

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County Housing Authority: Helping People for 50 Years - May 22, 2017 - San Jose Mercury News

By Katherine Harasz — For 50 years, the Santa Clara County Housing Authority has been the largest provider of affordable housing in our community.

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$40 million purchase saves Palo Alto's Buena Vista Mobile Home Park

Owners agree to sell for $40 million, meaning 400 low-income residents will be able to stay in their homes.

Santa Clara County Housing Authority and Buena Vista Mobile Home Park Owner Reach Purchase and Sale Agreement

The Santa Clara County Housing Authority (SCCHA) and the owner of the Buena Vista Mobile Home Park in Palo Alto, Calif., have reached an agreement that will ensure the preservation and upgrade of the mobile home park and allow its 400 low-income residents to remain in their homes.

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SCCHA Sponsors Affordable Housing Week

Affordable Housing Week (AHW) is a week-long celebration of affordable housing and effort to bring our diverse community together to raise awareness, educate, engage, activate, and unite around affordable housing issues and how we can work together to make Santa Clara County a more affordable place to live for all of our residents.

Community Plan to End Homelessness: 2016 Annual Report

This Annual Report reflects groundbreaking progress toward ending homelessness in Santa Clara County.

Administrative Plan Reasonable Accommodation Policy Update

The Santa Clara County Housing Authority (SCCHA) has made a revision to its Administrative Plan (Chapter 6, Section 6.4).

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Flood Response: Housing Search Support for Participants

The Vietnamese Voluntary Foundation (VIVO) is providing Housing Search Support to Section 8 participants displaced by the recent flood.

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Spring 2017 SCCHA Tenant Newsletter

Learn about SCCHA’s Family Self-Sufficiency Program, Strive Scholarship Program, Section 8 Program: New Subsidy Standards...

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The Santa Clara County Housing Authority (SCCHA) is now accepting applications for its Strive scholarship program

The Santa Clara County Housing Authority (SCCHA) is now accepting applications for its Strive scholarship program. Strive was created to provide post-secondary educational financial assistance for Section 8 tenants or tenants of rental properties managed or affiliated with SCCHA.

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The City of San José has temporarily activated www.SCCHousingSearch.org to help residents displaced by the February 2017 Coyote Creek Flood

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Financial Incentives to Property Owners who Re-Rent an Eligible Unit to Another Section 8 Tenant

Housing Authority offers financial incentives to property owners who re-rent an eligible unit to another section 8 tenant.

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March Newsletter 2017

50 Years of Making Homes and Growing Communities;Celebrating Our Accomplishments;Meet Our Staff: Policy Team

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Request for Proposal for Housing Locator Services

SCCHA is welcoming bids to provide housing search/locator services to our Section 8 tenants who are shopping for housing. If your agency is experienced in helping low-income clients obtain housing in the difficult Bay area rental market, SCCHA wants your expertise. To submit a proposal click on the link below.

Important Information for Section 8 Tenants Displaced by the Coyote Creek Flood

SCCHA and the Law Foundation of Silicon Valley are providing information regarding Section 8 Tenants’ legal rights for those who have been displaced by the February 2017 Coyote Creek Flood. More information in English, Vietnamese and Spanish can be found here.

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Strive Scholarship (save the date 2017)

The Santa Clara County Housing Authority (SCCHA) will offer Strive Scholarships for fall 2017. Strive was created to provide post-secondary educational financial assistance for Section 8 tenants or tenants of rental properties owned or affiliated with SCCHA. Scholarships will be awarded to graduating high school seniors and college students attending a university, community college or technical school on a full or part-time basis in fall 2017.

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Draft 2018 MTW Annual Plan NOW AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC COMMENT

The Santa Clara County Housing Authority (SCCHA) has developed its Draft Moving to Work (MTW) Annual Plan for fiscal year 2018 (July 1, 2017, to June 30, 2018). The MTW Annual Plan describes how the agency uses its special MTW designation to be more cost effective and creative in providing affordable housing in Santa Clara County. The Draft 2018 MTW Annual Plan with summaries and public notices in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese are available here.

January 2017 Housing Assistance Payment Checks Delayed

As a result of the holiday closure, Housing Assistance Payments check will not be mailed until January 3, 2017. Checks should be received within a few days of mailing.

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Progress impressive in ending veterans’ homelessness - November 11, 2016 - San Jose Mercury News

Exec. Dir. Katherine Harasz reports on progress of All the Way Home campaign to end veteran homelessness in Santa Clara County.

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How to Avoid Housing Scams

When searching for your new home, protect yourself from becoming a victim of a Section 8 or affordable housing scam. If you are researching housing on the internet, you must be aware of several possible traps. Learn what to avoid by watching this informative short video on housing scam prevention.

PHADA’s Scholarship Program

In order to encourage academic excellence and community responsibility among high school students, PHADA has implemented a scholarship program for graduating seniors who are preparing to enter college. The Santa Clara County Housing Authority (SCCHA) would like to nominate two college-bound high school seniors for the Public Housing Authorities Directors Association (PHADA) 2017 scholarship program.

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September Newsletter 2016

Bringing Resources and Residents Together;Transit-oriented Laurel Grove Family Apartments Breaks Ground in San José;SCCHA Awards $43,500 in Strive Program Scholarships;Meet Our Staff: Development Team

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June Newsletter 2016

“All The Way Home” Campaign Houses More Veterans; Meet Our Staff: Customer Services Team; Poco Way Renovation Preserves Affordability

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AFFORDABLE, TRANSIT-ORIENTED LAUREL GROVE FAMILY APARTMENTS TO BREAK GROUND IN DOWNTOWN SAN JOSÉ

Santa Clara County Housing Authority to Hold Groundbreaking Ceremony with U.S. Representative Zoe Lofgren, Santa Clara County Supervisor Dave Cortese and San José Mayor Sam Liccardo at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 24, 2016, at 298 Laurel Grove Lane, San José, California 95126.

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Request for Tenancy Approval (RFTA) and Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) Contract Workshops

This workshop for property owners and managers renting to Section 8 program participants in Santa Clara County will be held Aug. 3, Sept. 7, Oct. 5, Nov. 2 and Dec. 7. Topics covered include the lease-up process; correctly completing all RFTA packet forms; what to include in your lease; avoiding common RFTA Packet errors; reviewing HAP contract sections; and avoiding common HAP contract errors.

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Joint Notice of Funding Availability/Request for Proposal for Project-Based Vouchers, Capital Funds and Supportive Services

The Santa Clara County Housing Authority (SCCHA), the City of San José Housing Department (CSJHD) and County of Santa Clara Office of Supportive Housing (OSH), in partnership with the Veterans Administration Palo Alto Health Care System, jointly invite qualified affordable housing developers to submit written proposals for affordable multifamily rental housing projects that will provide housing to a range of special needs residents. This invitation makes available $48 million in devel

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Draft MTW Annual Plan Amendment for Fiscal Year 2017

As part of its participation in the Moving to Work (MTW) demonstration program, SCCHA has prepared a Draft MTW Annual Plan Amendment for fiscal year 2017 that covers the period from July 1, 2016, to June 30, 2017. The Draft 2017 MTW Annual Plan Amendment is now available for review and public comment from July 18 through August 17, 2016. For more information on how to submit comments, click on the plan summaries or public notices.

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On-line Waiting List Update Website Opens July 11

ALL WAITING LIST APPLICANTS MUST UPDATE STATUS BY AUGUST 1, 2016 The Santa Clara County Housing Authority (SCCHA) is updating its Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher, Project Based Voucher and Moderate Rehabilitation waiting lists. The waiting list update will help SCCHA get an accurate count of the number of applicants still interested in housing. In order to remain on each of the lists, all existing applicants currently on the agency’s federal housing program waiting lists must verif

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SCCHA will be Closed to the Public for Staff In-Service

SCCHA will be Closed to the Public for Staff In-Service Thursday, June 30, 2016 - (11:30 AM - 01:00 PM) We will re-open for business starting at 01:00 PM

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COUNTY AND CITY ANNOUNCE POTENTIAL "BREAKTHROUGH PARTNERSHIP” TO PRESERVE MOBILE HOME PARK

Palo Alto – Today County Supervisor Joe Simitian and Palo Alto Mayor Pat Burt announced a potential partner who will bring new resources to the effort to preserve and improve the Buena Vista Mobile Home Park. Nearly a year after the City and County each committed $14.5 million to acquiring the Park, they have announced a proposed partnership with the Santa Clara County Housing Authority, in an effort to fund, acquire, improve and preserve the Park as an ongoing source of affordable

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NOTICE - July 2016 Housing Assistance Payment (HAP)

The July 2016 Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) may be delayed due to the Santa Clara County Housing Authority alternate Friday closure on July 1 and the July 4th holiday. The agency is making every effort possible to disburse the payment on Friday, July 1, as per the monthly payment schedule, however we would like to keep Section 8 owners and property managers informed of any potential delay in payment. In the unlikely event that the payment is delayed, payment will be mailed and direc

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Application Date for Strive Scholarships for SCCHA Tenants Extended

The Strive application deadline has been extended to June 16, 2016 by 5:00 p.m. Completed applications with transcripts can be dropped off at the Santa Clara County Housing Authority, Attn: Dhory Sison, 505 W. Julian St., San Jose, CA 95110. Or, email applications to StriveScholarship@SCCHA.org. When emailing, place “Strive application” in the subject line.

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Strive Scholarships Available for SCCHA Tenants

The Santa Clara County Housing Authority (SCCHA) is now accepting applications for its Strive scholarship program. Strive was created to provide post-secondary educational financial assistance for Section 8 tenants or tenants of rental properties managed or affiliated with SCCHA.

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NEW TOOL CONNECTS NEEDIEST HOMELESS PERSONS WITH SUPPORTIVE SERVICES

Destination: Home and the County of Santa Clara today announced the Silicon Valley Triage Tool, a new computer model that uses Santa Clara County case records to forecast the public cost of homeless persons and then connect them with permanent supportive housing

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Winter/Spring 2016 Owner Bulletin

Payment Standards Increased in February Fair Housing Regulations SCCHA Partners with the VA for Housing Solutions 2016 Owners’ Information Sessions

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DRAFT 2017 MTW ANNUAL PLAN NOW AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC COMMENT

The Santa Clara County Housing Authority (SCCHA) has developed its Draft Moving to Work (MTW) Annual Plan for fiscal year 2017 (July 1, 2016, to June 30, 2017). The MTW Annual Plan describes how the agency uses its special MTW designation to be more cost effective and creative in providing affordable housing in Santa Clara County.

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February Newsletter 2016

Federal Appropriations’ Impact on SCCHA’s Section 8 Voucher Program, SCCHA Conditionally Awards 517 Project-Based Vouchers to Selected Developers, SCCHA Joins Campaign to End Veteran Homelessness; Increases VASH Voucher Payment Standard to Help Vets Obtain Housing 2016 Voucher Payment Standard Increase Brings More Rent Relief. Harasz Appointed Executive Director.

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Voucher Payment Standards Increase Effective February 1, 2016

To reflect the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD’s) recent increases in fair market rents (FMRs), the Santa Clara County Housing Authority (SCCHA) has raised its voucher payment standards (maximum monthly rent assistance) effective February 1, 2016. The voucher payment standards were last increased on September 1, 2015, to 110 percent of the HUD-issued FMRs. The agency has leeway to determine payment standards within a 90 to 110 percent range of the FMRs.

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Filling the Housing Gap in Silicon Valley

Silicon Valley is known as the hub of the technology industry, which continues to boom and attract high-income professionals to the region. However, for the Santa Clara County Housing Authority (SCCHA), extreme challenges are associated with rising rents for those who do not make enough money to afford them.

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Be a Hero: Help Bring Our Veterans All the Way Home

A new initiative is being launched in Santa Clara County to end veteran homelessness. Learn how you can join the movement on Wednesday, December 2.

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RFP Release Announcement for SCCHA PBV and HUD-VASH Vouchers

The Santa Clara County Housing Authority (SCCHA) requests proposals from qualified housing developers for the Project-Based Voucher (PBV) Program and HUD-VASH Voucher Program.

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October 2015 Tenant Bulletin

Tenants’ Rights and Duties. Housing Specialist Contact List. New Payment Standards. Family Self-Sufficiency. (Available in English, Vietnamese and Spanish)

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SCCHA Recruiting Underway for Executive Director Position

The Santa Clara County Housing Authority (SCCHA) is recruiting for an Executive Director.

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Santa Clara County Housing Authority Raises Voucher Payment Standard to 110 Percent of HUD-Issued Fair Market Rents

SAN JOSE, Calif. ― August 26, 2015 ― In an effort to begin closing the widening gap between federal housing assistance and skyrocketing rents in Silicon Valley, the Santa Clara County Housing Authority (SCCHA) is raising the maximum monthly rental housing assistance for Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) program participants to 110 percent of the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) fair market rents. This move will bring rent relief for approximately 5,670 families with

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August Newsletter 2015

SCCHA Announces PBV Solicitation Timeline, MidPen Housing Builds 58 New Affordable Rental Homes at Onizuka Crossing in Sunnyvale, SCCHA Wins NAHRO 2015 Award of Merit for MTW University, SCCHA Awarded 113 New HUD-VASH Vouchers; Begins Lease to Vets, Katherine Harasz Appointed to Interim Executive Director.

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Special Bulletin - May 2015

Housing Authority Promotes New Construction with Release of up to 1,000 New Project-Based Housing Vouchers.

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May 2015 Newsletter

SCCHA Continues Push to Increase Affordable Housing, Local Support for MTW Contract Extension to 2018, SCCHA Releases up to 1,000 Additional Project-Based Vouchers, SCCHA Makes Academic Scholarships Available for Tenants, State Needs More Than 1.5 Million Affordable Rental Homes

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July 1 Owner Bulletin

Landlord Survey Provides Insights for Improvement. Steps to Request a Rent Increase. Policy Changes Affect Landlords. Tenant Affordability Determined Case-by-Case. List Your Units on GoSection 8.

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Update - Strive Scholarships Available for SCCHA Tenants

(Updated) The Santa Clara County Housing Authority (SCCHA) is now accepting applications for its Strive scholarship program. Strive was created to provide post-secondary educational financial assistance for Section 8 tenants or tenants of rental properties owned or affiliated with SCCHA.

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Housing Authority Promotes New Construction with Release of up to 1,000 Additional Project-Based Housing Vouchers

SAN JOSE, Calif. ― May 19, 2015 ― In an effort to help increase the supply of affordable housing and serve more low-income families in Silicon Valley’s increasingly hot rental market, the Santa Clara County Housing Authority (SCCHA) today announced plans to begin the process of releasing up to 1,000 additional federal Section 8 project-based rental housing vouchers to selected housing developers and property owners through a competitive request for proposals process.

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SCCHA’s Draft 2016 MTW Annual Plan Amendment available for public comment

The Santa Clara County Housing Authority (SCCHA) submitted its Draft Moving to Work (MTW) Annual Plan for fiscal year 2016 (July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2016) to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development on April 1, 2015. SCCHA is proposing to amend this draft plan by proposing Activity 2016-2 and amending Activity 2009-1.

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March 2015 Newsletter

SCCHA Increases Housing Options for Voucher Holders. Extensive Renovation Preserves Affordability. 2015 Poco Way Renovation and Neighborhood Revitalization.

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Draft 2016 MTW Annual Plan - February 23, 2015

The Santa Clara County Housing Authority (SCCHA)’s Draft FY2016 MTW Annual Plan is now available for public comment at http://www.scchousingauthority.org/about-SCCHA/moving-to-work/moving-to-work-plans-and-reports/

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Public Notice regarding Draft 2016 MTW Annual Plan - February 20, 2015

The Santa Clara County Housing Authority (SCCHA) has developed its Draft Moving to Work (MTW) Annual Plan for fiscal year (FY) 2016. The MTW Annual Plan, which covers the period from July 1, 2015 through June 30, 2016, describes how the Agency is using its special MTW designation to be more cost effective and creative in providing affordable housing in Santa Clara County.

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Notice of Cancellation - January 27, 2015 Board Meeting

Notice is hereby given that the regular meeting of the Commissioners of the Santa Clara County Housing Authority scheduled for Tuesday, January 27, 2015 at 9:30am, at 505 W. Julian St, San Jose, CA, is cancelled.

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Special Bulletin - Jungle Closure - January 9, 2015

Last month’s closure of “the Jungle,” a 68-acre homeless encampment along the Coyote Creek watershed in San José, received national news coverage. While 144 unsheltered individuals were housed and 53 more had rental housing vouchers in hand prior to the encampment’s closure, many more had to move out of their campsites

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Officials Seek Public Input on Aesthetics of Affordable Housing Near Diridon Station - January 21, 2015 - San Jose Mercury News

An affordable housing complex for families and seniors that will sit prominently near San Jose's Diridon Station is steps closer to breaking ground as officials seek public input about design.

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November 2014 Newsletter

Family Self-Sufficiency Program Graduates Share Their Inspiring Stories. Rehabilitation of Poco Way Apartments Scheduled for Early 2015. Setting and Achieving Goals.

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SCCHA Fraud Alert

Fraud Alert – November 27, 2014 – Imposters posing as SCCHA workers ask for credit card and personal information.

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City Hears Call for Affordable Housing - October 08, 2014 - San Jose Mercury News

Long waiting lists and a dire need for affordable housing prompted city officials to sign off on rezoning required for a new affordable housing structure near Diridon Station, despite strong objections from neighbors.

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October 2014 Newsletter

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September 2014 Newsletter

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San Jose Affordable Housing Proposal Heads to City Council - September 30, 2014 - San Jose Mercury News

For now, the 2-acre parcel is a vacant lot surrounded by fencing. But the Santa Clara County Housing Authority envisions the site as a community complex that will help put a tiny dent in the region's chronic lack of affordable homes for lower-income residents.

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Santa Clara County's Chronically Homeless Direct Referral Program Wins 2014 Award of Merit From National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials

Santa Clara County’s Chronically Homeless Direct Referral Program Wins 2014 Award of Merit From National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials

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