New Housing For Homeless Veterans Groundbreaking Held

MENLO PARK, CA — Construction is officially underway on Oak Gardens, a new housing development designed to provide permanent homes and support services for military veterans experiencing homelessness and their families.

Community members, elected officials, veterans’ advocates, and business leaders gathered on Feb. 26 for a groundbreaking ceremony at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Palo Alto Health Care System campus in Menlo Park, where the 62-unit development will be built.

Led by nonprofit developer MidPen Housing, Oak Gardens will offer affordable housing and wraparound services to help veterans regain stability.

“One of the hardest impediments we face to build housing is the land,” said San Mateo County Supervisor Ray Mueller, whose district includes Menlo Park. “That you're willing to share it and lease it is an incredible thing.”

Situated on a 2.1-acre site, Oak Gardens will be surrounded by heritage trees and feature outdoor community spaces, a community garden, a dog run, a walking path, and a meditation circle.
Residents will have access to VA medical care, on-site case management, and a large community room and kitchen for gatherings.

The site is also conveniently located near shops, restaurants, and schools.

“We’re honored to collaborate with the VA on Oak Gardens, a significant opportunity to provide affordable homes and comprehensive services to veterans in need,” said Matthew O. Franklin, president and CEO of MidPen Housing. “We applaud the City of Menlo Park, San Mateo County, and all of our partners for their commitment to permanent supportive housing, a proven solution to address homelessness.”

The project is being funded through a mix of public and private sources, including $1.4 million from San Mateo County’s Measure K half-cent sales tax. Other contributors include the City of Menlo Park, Housing Trust Silicon Valley, National Equity Fund, Inc., California Department of Housing and Community Development, First Citizens Bank, Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), and the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco.

Oak Gardens is part of a VA program that leases underutilized federal land for the purpose of developing supportive housing for veterans.

“Through enhanced use leases, the VA leverages underutilized properties to serve veterans in powerful ways,” said Jean Gurga, director of the VA Palo Alto Health Care System. “Oak Gardens is a prime example of how these partnerships create vibrant communities, directly aligning with our mission to enhance the lives of veterans with essential housing and support services.”

With construction now underway, Oak Gardens is set to provide a safe and stable environment for veterans, ensuring that those who have served the country have a place to call home.