Communications Hill and Rental Assistance (Santa Clara, Vista: low income, section 8, apartments)

[Lukeguy7]

I currently live at the base of Communications Hill, on Vistapark, and work just on the north slope Monterrey and Curtner.

For the last few weeks my boss has been talking about there being a program run by the city to assist those living and working in and around Communications Hill with their rent. He even directed me to some workers at a neighboring warehouse who were receiving such assistance, unfortunately there was a language barrier and I got nothing useful out of them.

Calling the city directed me to the Communications Hill Specific Plan, which DOES mention some kind of incentive to attract residents and workers, but no specific details are given. The clerk I spoke with also said it was separate from Section 8(which would be ideal, since I do not qualify).

I ask this because I am planning to go back to school, and do not fancy living paycheck to paycheck to do so, so anything would help. Does anyone know more information about this program? If its real, and if so, who do I contact?

[Wintermomma]

Funny you should ask, at the apartments at the bottom of the hill there is a sign that says "Helzer Court Apartments - Housing Authority of the County of Santa Clara." We have been wondering what that meant, but it certainly sounds like some kind of public housing. Perhaps try calling their office to ask?

[NoMoreSnowForMe]

Normally, full-time students cannot qualify for subsidized housing, but if you're working, that should be fine.

I looked on the Santa Clara County housing authority website and found that they do subsidize the Helzer Court Apts, which are managed by someone else. Here's the site:

Helzer Courts - FPI Management Inc.

This is a nice resource for low income housing options in Santa Clara County:

http://www.socialserve.com/tenant/CA...egion_id=32090

[Lukeguy7]

After calling their(Helzer) office, I got a bit more information: that is a Tax Credit community, that also accepts Section 8. Basically landlords offer cheap rent in exchange for paying low/no taxes. However this isn't linked to Comm Hill in anyway. The program my boss was talking about was centered around it.

I'll keep looking around, see what turns up.

[NoMoreSnowForMe]

Let us know. I know others in the area who would like to know.