SVILC offers housing services, which are unique to our independent living center. Our Specialists obtain and present updated information on the available wait lists and open housing opportunities to our members at our weekly workshops and during 1-on-1 appointments. SVILC works with other housing organizations to better understand and address the concerns of each member seeking housing. Each member is receiving coaching and resource information available to equip one for their housing search journey better.
People with disabilities experience more significant discrimination in the area of housing than any other minority population. With a high cost of living rises in Santa Clara County, finding suitable and permanent housing can be a challenging journey. Our Housing Specialists may assist in developing housing search strategies, research up and update current Section & and other subsidized / low-income housing options, provide information and referrals to other community housing resources, provide information regarding your housing rights as a person with a disability, and assist in applying for emergency financial assistance for rent, security deposit, or application fee (RESTRICTIONS APPLY).
Individual Appointments
Our Housing Specialists provide 1-on-1 housing consultation appointments to better address the needs and concerns when searching or retaining housing. Some topics discussed during these appointments include housing programs available, redefining what the individual’s ideal living conditions based on accommodations, finances, and location, and referrals. Lastly, our offices obtain current applications for low income or subsidized housing for our members to fill out and submit, and assist in applying for 1st month and deposit assistance to partnered third party financial organizations.
Housing Workshops
SVILC is the only community organization with a workshop that discusses how to find and obtain low-income accessible housing in all of Santa Clara County (SCC). Our workshops focus on educating our community on what is currently available in SCC, how to apply for housing vouchers, how to advocate for yourself, where to go when facing discrimination, and where can one find financial assistance upon moving in.
We hold our weekly workshops online, please visit our events calendar for upcoming dates and times. During each workshop, our Housing Specialists provide up to date waiting lists opportunities and a resource guide to agencies who may help in the following areas; housing discrimination, homeless resources, food pantries, financial assistance network, tips when talking to potential landlords, and more.
Also, our housing workshops held in the community at local homeless shelters, community centers, nonprofit organizations, and school districts. For more information, contact our San Jose office.
Housing Resource List
Our Housing Specialists have created a current listing of upcoming and available low-income / subsidized wait list and section 8 opportunities in and outside of Santa Clara County. This list is updated monthly with the property name, price range, contact information, eligibility criteria, and application process information.
Financial Assistance
SVILC works with third-party financial organizations to assist those who have fallen behind on their rent or needing help finding their 1st month and deposit upon securing their new housing unit. Our staff will assist you in completing an application for funds and provide a list of personal documents needed for the third-party organization requests to begin processing. A submission is not guaranteed, or funding may run out for the month of your request has been sent in.