Creating housing opportunities to build
a stronger, more diverse community.

Directory of Housing Services & Subsidized Rental Housing
in Palo Alto & Surrounding Neighborhoods

Published by the Palo Alto Housing Corporation
Last Updated in 2002.  Click for more recent information
Subsidized Housing by Community - Go to this Listing

I. Housing Services

Emergency Housing & Shelters

The following organizations offer assistance with overnight housing on a short-term basis for individuals who are without safe shelter.

Transitional Housing

The following organizations offer housing for several days, weeks or months to people who are willing to participate in a structured, self-help program which usually involves counseling and workshops on topics such as parenting, job search skills, money management, as well as child care services.

Shared Housing

The following agencies have programs which match a housing provider with extra room to share with compatible singles, seniors or single parents with children to live in a shared housing environment. Usually the renter has a private room and shares bathroom, kitchen and living areas.

Housing for Persons with Disabilities

The following agencies offer temporary and/or permanent housing for persons with disabilities:

Information and Referral

The following organizations provide information and referral regarding available, accessible housing options.

Home Ownership Assistance Programs

The following cities and organizations have home ownership assistance programs for low and moderate income buyers and first time home buyers. The programs vary in form, but are intended to provide housing for purchase at lower than market rate prices for eligible buyers. Please call for specific information on each program.

Mediation Services

The following agencies provide mediation/conciliation services for tenant/landlord rights and responsibilities.

Fair Housing

Discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, physical or mental disability, age, or sexual orientation in the sale or rental of any housing is illegal. If you believe you have experienced discrimination in your search for housing, please contact:

Rent and Deposit Assistance

The following agencies offer one time emergency assistance to individuals who, through some crisis, cannot make a monthly rent payment and are in danger of becoming homeless. Assistance is given as funding allows, and applicants are screened according to need.

Other Services

The following information and referral service agencies provide information on services other than housing, such as child and health care, employment, counseling, recreation and transportation, home renovation and repair.

II. Subsidized Rental Housing

A. General Information

Housing Subsidies

Rental housing is subsidized through a variety of programs. For example, housing development may be assisted through locally administered Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, through State of California programs such as the California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA), through federal programs under the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), or the Low Income Housing Tax Credit Program (LIHTC). Each program has its own requirements and regulations.

The source of subsidy may also determine any applicable preferences, income eligibility requirements, the type of tenant served, the administration of a waiting list, and even the rents charged. The system can be complicated, seem inconsistent, and cause frustration to the person seeking housing information and assistance. However, the subsidies are essential in providing affordable housing.

Preferences

Certain preferences may be required under the regulations of the agency funding or administering each program. Local preferences are usually those of living or working in that city. Preferences under other programs may be given to families or individuals presently homeless or with special needs.

Rental Assistance (Section 8)

The Section 8 Housing Assistance Program is a federal program administered by public housing agencies (County Housing Authorities). Assistance can be project-based, where the rental assistance stays with a particular housing unit, or individual-based, where the assistance belongs to the person being assisted.

The individual-based Section 8 rental assistance program assists very low-income families in obtaining decent, safe and sanitary housing in private accommodations. Federal funds (HUD) pay the difference between what a very low-income household can afford and the approved rent for an adequate housing unit. The Housing Authority issues Housing Choice Vouchers to eligible households who are free to locate suitable rental units that meet their needs. The Housing Authority makes assistance payments to the private owners who lease their rental units to assisted families. The tenant’s portion of the rent is the highest of 30 percent of adjusted income, 10 percent of gross income, or the portion of welfare assistance designated to meet housing costs. Very low-income households, whose incomes do not exceed fifty percent of the median income for the county, are eligible to occupy the assisted units.

The Section 8 Moderate Rehabilitation program provides rental subsidies to eligible landlords who rehabilitate properties to meet certain safety and sanitation standards. The subsidy stays with the unit for fifteen years. This program has been phased out and the rental assistance is converted to individual-based Section 8 certificates as the fifteen —year term expires.

The County Housing Authorities accept new applications for their waiting lists during limited periods. Announcements are published in the newspapers when the waiting lists are opened.

For information about Housing Choice Vouchers, eligibility or answers to other questions regarding Section 8 assistance, call the appropriate Housing Authority.

Housing Authority of Santa Clara Co. (408) 275-8770

Housing Authority of San Mateo Co. (650) 802-3300

Eligibility Guidelines

The following income eligibility table is provided to assist you in determining if your income enables you to be eligible for an apartment at various housing complexes you may call. The calculations are based on median income figures provided by HUD for the particular area. To use the table, find your family size in the first column and follow the line across to the income figure closest to your annual household income.

Below Market Rate (BMR) Rental Housing Program*

Palo Alto

Palo Alto has a limited number of below market rate rental units available to low-and moderate-income households. For qualifying information and availability call:

Stanford West Apartments on Sand Hill Road currently has 63 BMR rental units. Additional BMR units will be phased in over the next ten years.There is a preference for those who work for Stanford University or for private businesses located on Stanford lands.

Sunnyvale

Sunnyvale also has below market rate rental units available. For information about affordable rental housing in Sunnyvale, call (408) 730-7254.

Cupertino

For information about affordable rental housing in Cupertino, call (408) 255-8033

*Some cities have BMR Housing for purchase. Palo Alto Housing Corporation administers the City of Palo Alto’s program which allows eligible families and individuals to purchase moderately-price condominiums, townhouses, and duplexes through the sale and resale of these units. All BMR units are sold with deed restrictions limiting the appreciation on resale.

B. NON-PROFIT DEVELOPERS OF AFFORDABLE RENTAL HOUSING

The organizations listed below have developed affordable housing in Santa Clara County and/or San Mateo County. Each organization owns and may manage its own properties. For information on waiting lists, rents, eligibility criteria, and unit availability, please contact the agency directly:

C. Subsidized Housing by Community - Go to this Listing

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