Join Us in Support of Affordable Housing Across the Bay Area!

rosa-berta-measure-a-workshop-rincon Election Day is rapidly approaching – and it is one of the most important elections in our lifetime. We have urgent important housing measures on the ballot across the Bay Area.

Voters in Alameda, Santa Clara, and San Mateo counties will have the opportunity to ensure that the Bay Area builds enough homes for those who make our communities run – our teachers, nurses, cashiers, and support staff. We at LifeSTEPS know that supporting quality and safe affordable homes is key for creating a greener, equitable, and more sustainable Bay Area; it’s why we do what we do. Poll after poll has shown that voters across the Bay Area agree that having an affordable place to call home is their number one issue and one of the most sustainable choices for the Bay Area.

Please take the time to read up on Measure A in Santa Clara County, Measure A1 in Alameda County, and Measure K in San Mateo County. And be sure to VOTE on November 8! Learn more here: http://nonprofithousing.org/campaigns/nph-action-fund

Big Wins at the Capital Cup!

We can’t say it enough – huge, huge thanks to Geoff Brown over at USA Properties. He spent three days last weekend competing in the Capital Cup (in the hail, no less!), and he personally raised more than $80,000 that will directly benefit the JB Brown Fund. Additionally, since Geoff was on the winning team, the JB Brown Fund will get a share of the grand prize.

The JB Brown Fund is a philanthropic partnership between USA Properties and LifeSTEPS, and the fund grants academic scholarships as well as other assistance to residents of USA Properties. Thanks so much, Geoff, for all that you do at the helm of USA Properties and to raise funds that help to change people’s lives!

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Santa Clara County Voters: Join Us In Supporting Affordable Housing!

This November, Santa Clara County voters have an exciting opportunity to create solutions for our region’s housing and homeless crisis with YES on Measure A for Affordable Housing.

LIfeSTEPS is a proud endorser of Measure A for its ability to create affordable housing across Santa Clara County, providing housing opportunities and options for our most vulnerable community members – like our seniors, veterans, and others in need – and for our low-income and working people and families.

Learn more about this exciting measure here!

Voting YES on Measure A this November helps us create affordable housing options and opportunities for our community members, including our homeless veterans.

Corey’s video below outlines just one example of how Measure A can benefit and improve our communities:

Join us in voting YES on A for Affordable Housing this November!

Back to School, Already?!

1470708096718We can hardly believe summer’s ending! Whether you’re preparing for your littlest one’s first day of kindergarten or sending your teens (or yourself!) off to college, getting ready for back to school time can take a big bite out of everyone’s budgets.

Over in Porterville last week, Jesse, who runs our teen club at the Porterville Family apartments, overheard some kids talking about how badly they needed haircuts before the start of school. They wanted to make a good first impression, like all kids! Jesse knew how important this sort of impression can be, especially for low-income kids from working poor families – a little thing like a great cut can be a huge boost to a kid’s confidence and help them kick off the year in the right direction. So Jesse made a few calls and found a salon nearby, Ashley’s Hair, that was glad to have these three kids in for free cuts. Jesse walked with the boys down to the salon and the boys walked out with fresh styles and huge smiles. Thanks to Maria Santizo, owner of the salon! If you’re in the area, check them out and say thanks for us!

There are so many other expenses that low-income families face: clothes, school supplies, tuition. The site Deal Crunch recently published their 2016 Back to School Guide chock full of resources for students, teachers, and families for free stuff, scholarships, and more. If you or someone you know is struggling with back to school expenses, check it out! And of course, if you’re a resident of a LifeSTEPS property and you need help, talk to your DSS or program coordinator on site! We want to help.