Housing Choices

06/04/2026

Mitchell Park Place marks the sixth partnership between Housing Choices and Eden Housing, Inc. to create inclusive communities with set-aside homes for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Of the 50 total units, 25 are dedicated to residents with IDD, paired with onsite support services from Housing Choices to help residents thrive.

“This is a true testament to the work of advocates, elected officials, and community leaders coming together to make this possible,” said Housing Choices Executive Director Dennise Jauregui.

The grand opening brought together an incredible group of partners and housing leaders who helped bring this vision to life. Speakers highlighted the leadership of former Supervisor Joe Simitian, recognizing his role in championing the project - through advocacy, securing critical funding, and aligning stakeholders to move the work forward.

We also heard inspiring remarks from Javier Zaldivar of San Andreas Regional Center, as well as U.S. Representative Sam Liccardo, who both underscored the importance of expanding creative financing options to create deeply affordable, inclusive housing options.

Guests were treated to catering from Ada's Cafe, a local business that employs individuals with IDD.

Mitchell Park Place in stands as a powerful example of what’s possible when partnership, advocacy, and community alignment come together to create housing that is truly inclusive and life-changing.

Following the grand opening, we also spoke with a new Housing Choices resident who shared how moving into this community has already begun to meaningfully transform her sense of stability, independence, and opportunity.

Watch a quick recap now! https://lnkd.in/gGTitzcP

Mitchell Park Place marks the sixth partnership between Housing Cho...

06/03/2026

"It would be important to consider those with disabilities who are just on SSI income, or maybe have part-time jobs or even full-time jobs but are just 50% AMI and below to really tackle all of the income levels of the city and address the crucial housing needs that are even laid out in the housing element," said Gia Pham, Communications Coordinator at Housing Choices.

Yesterday evening, we participated in a study session with the focused on the future of downtown development. We encouraged the City to prioritize projects that include deeply affordable housing, especially homes that serve people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families.

We appreciate the City hosting this important conversation and creating space to hear a range of proposals for the downtown area. As planning moves forward, we hope to see a strong commitment to using city-owned land to help deliver the housing identified as needed in the Housing Element.

In Menlo Park alone, an estimated 221 people with IDD live in the community, including approximately 112 adults, highlighting the urgency of building housing that is accessible, stable, and inclusive.

We look forward to continuing to engage as these plans take shape!

06/03/2026

Our residents are out in action, taking on bowling and having a great time! 🎳 We’re always grateful to support recreational activities like this, especially because many residents don’t often get access to free time or opportunities to go out to events that can be out of their budget.

Being able to provide a fun, welcoming space with food, games, and community connection means a lot, it gives residents a chance to relax, enjoy themselves, and build relationships with one another.

Like this post if you enjoy too!

06/03/2026

Bowling strikes and good vibes all around 🎳✨ We hit the lanes at 4th Street Bowl in with residents from all our Partner Properties, and the energy was right up our alley! Our residents really showed off their bowling skills there were plenty of spare moments of laughter too.

06/02/2026

DONATE: https://donorbox.org/housing-choices-...

What happens when even the basics like soap and toothpaste have to be rationed?

For many individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, this is a daily reality. Limited job opportunities and systemic barriers often mean extremely low incomes, with most of it going toward rent. What’s left must stretch across everything else.

That’s where scarcity takes hold. Everyday essentials like soap, toothpaste, laundry detergent, clean towels become items to ration. Some residents use less than they need to make supplies last. Others delay doing laundry or replacing necessities altogether. Over time, this constant trade-off impacts health, confidence, and the ability to feel comfortable and included in the community.

Folks with disabilities often get swallowed up in "survival mode".

But it doesn’t have to be this way.

When communities come together, we can replace scarcity with stability, and survival mode with a sense of self-assurance, comfort, and belonging.

Home Wellness Essentials is an effort we started to make that possible.

Your support provides residents with essential household items and personal care products, so they don’t have to choose between affordability and well-being. These simple resources can restore dignity, reduce daily stress, and allow individuals to care for themselves and their homes with confidence.

When you donate, you’re helping someone move from survival to stability, and from scarcity to dignity.

Will you join us?

06/02/2026

TODAY - Join Menlo Together , , and Housing Choices at the City Council Study Session this Tuesday, June 2 at 5PM. At this meeting, you’ll learn about the different housing proposals being considered and what could be built if the city is allowed to move forward. The session will look at the 3 proposals and their plans for mixed-use development and the types of housing and services that could be included in these projects.

First, meet us at the Duck Pond at 5pm for informal Q&A and a chance to connect.
Then, we will go to city council together.

Below is the four-page staff report for the meeting:https://www.menlopark.gov/files/sharedassets/public/v/1/agendas-and-minutes/city-council/2026-meetings/20260602/c1-20260602-cc-downtown-development.pdf

See you all soon!

We look forward to seeing you on Tuesday!

05/29/2026

Housing Choices partnered with Menlo Together and the Housing Leadership Council of San Mateo County to host a free community event at Fremont Park in to raise awareness and encourage a “NO” vote on an upcoming ballot measure that would add extra voter approval requirements for housing on city-owned land in downtown.

We organized this event because we believe these additional layers of approval can slow down or entirely block much-needed housing, including affordable housing and housing for people with developmental disabilities.

The ballot measure would change the current process for how city-owned land is developed. If passed, it could allow housing proposals to be delayed or blocked by additional votes, rather than moving through the regular city planning process where professional planners evaluate what the community needs. If it does not pass, housing decisions would continue through the standard process, allowing for more timely development and opportunities for mixed-use and affordable housing.

Our goal was also to build support for affordable housing on city-owned land, especially proposals that include homes for people with disabilities and other extremely low-income residents. One of the current proposals includes affordable housing for people with developmental disabilities, making it especially important that these projects are not delayed or stopped.

We were grateful to hear from Mayor Elmer Martínez Saballos of , who shared how thoughtful, pro-housing development has helped revitalize downtown and strengthen local businesses.

Thank you to everyone who attended, listened to the speakers, visited our tables, and learned more about how they can support inclusive, affordable housing in Menlo Park.

Stay tuned for further updates on this campaign by the following:

Endorsing: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfVJTTZIxq3U2Lshm4Kb_h6TOXmHPmQBsCQ21E4ZaISssYiXg/viewform

Volunteering: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfFGjBxxl_UO1OMgAdFLVia-ndDTI8-ols8jmWtBP4oeqo-4Q/viewform

05/27/2026

TODAY — Housing Choices joined Alta Housing and Related California to break ground on Corso in Mountain View: a 120-unit community, with 15 homes set aside for San Andreas Regional Center consumers and Housing Choices clients.

This is what it looks like when advocacy turns into action. Located just minutes from downtown, Corso will give residents, especially those with developmental disabilities, walkable access to everyday essentials: food, parks, transit, and community spaces, making independence and connection more attainable.

We’re deeply grateful for the partnerships that made this possible and proud to have advocated for a development that prioritizes inclusion. Huge thanks to the city staff, developers, and partners who put in the work to move this project forward.

Hard hats off to everyone involved! We’ll see you at the grand opening in a few years! 👷

05/14/2026

What happens when even the basics like soap and toothpaste have to be rationed?

For many individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, this is a daily reality. Limited job opportunities and systemic barriers often mean extremely low incomes, with most of it going toward rent. What’s left must stretch across everything else.

That’s where scarcity takes hold. Everyday essentials like soap, toothpaste, laundry detergent, clean towels become items to ration. Some residents use less than they need to make supplies last. Others delay doing laundry or replacing necessities altogether. Over time, this constant trade-off impacts health, confidence, and the ability to feel comfortable and included in the community.

Folks with disabilities often get swallowed up in "survival mode".

But it doesn’t have to be this way.

When communities come together, we can replace scarcity with stability, and survival mode with a sense of self-assurance, comfort, and belonging.

Home Wellness Essentials is an effort we started to make that possible.

Your support provides residents with essential household items and personal care products, so they don’t have to choose between affordability and well-being. These simple resources can restore dignity, reduce daily stress, and allow individuals to care for themselves and their homes with confidence.

When you donate, you’re helping someone move from survival to stability, and from scarcity to dignity.

Will you join us?

DONATE: https://donorbox.org/housing-choices-home-wellness-essentials-2026What happens when even the basics like soap and toothpaste have to be rationed?For ...

05/14/2026

🎳 FREE Bowling Party!

Join us for an afternoon of fun with free food, drinks, and activities!

📅 May 28
⏰ 3–5 PM at 4th Street Bowl
📍 Don’t miss it, mark your calendars!

RSVP by letting your Resident Coordinator know you’re coming.

Have questions?
📩 Email [email protected] or DM us!