Veranda Complex Opens Door To Affordable Housing In Cupertino

CUPERTINO, CA — When the area median price for a single family home is $1.2 million, it's all about the housing for those struggling to make ends meet.

That's why Santa Clara County and the city of Cupertino threw back the ends of a ribbon cut Monday and threw open the doors to The Veranda, a 19-unit complex funded through a Measure A bond.

The Veranda comes with six units set aside for seniors who are disabled and homeless, a mentionable from the county-planned dedication characterized by officials as "momentous for the community."

The plan is to have the complex kick off a pipeline of developments in the pipeline funded through the $950 million bond approved by voters in November 2016. Over the next several years, the approved projects are expected to provide 1,437 new affordable apartments and rehabilitate 484 existing, affordable apartments. The county has committed $234 million of the bond toward housing projects in Cupertino, Santa Clara, Gilroy, Morgan Hill, Milpitas and San Jose.

Of the more than 1,900 apartments, nearly 950 will be set aside for seniors, individuals and families experiencing homelessness. This is Job 1 for the county’s Office of Supportive Housing since for one thing it sees its shelters fill up consistently.

"Step by step we’re going to create affordable housing options for all of our residents, regardless of age, income or circumstance,” said Joe Simitian, Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors president whose District 5 includes the project's location. "It’s a long haul. We all know that. But project by project, we’re going to get it done – with help from a host of partners in the community."

It helps to have supportive friends and allies in high places.

The Veranda is also funded with $3.6 million by the city of Cupertino where the housing development is located.

"Building affordable housing is a difficult task and one that requires partnerships to address. The Veranda project proves that collaboration is possible,” Cupertino Mayor Steven Scharf said, citing a welcome cooperation between the city, county, Charities Housing and Housing Authority.

In addition, Housing Trust Silicon Valley — a nonprofit lending organization that works to increase affordable housing opportunities —is another $1 million funder of the development.

“This is a project we are proud to have worked on with Charities Housing and the county from start to finish.” said Kevin Zwick, chief executive officer of Housing Trust Silicon Valley.

Jennifer Loving, the chief executive officer of housing advocacy group Destination: Home, reminded officials of just how lean Santa Clara County affordable housing is.

Only 30 affordable homes are available for every 100 extremely low-income households, Loving indicated, while pointing to the issue as a direct cause of a growing homelessness crisis.

Planners of The Veranda secured $500,000 in HOME funds for the property located on a half-acre site on Stevens Creek Boulevard directly across the street from Main Street Cupertino. Surrounded by plentiful retail stores and restaurants, The Veranda is a considered place where seniors can move into a mixed-use neighborhood where they can live, work, and play.

The studio apartments are about 350 square feet and include complete kitchens and ADA-accessible bathrooms as well as patios or balconies. An elevator provides service to all three floors of the building and on-site parking.