The City of Milpitas reaffirms its strong commitment to addressing homelessness and supporting vulnerable community members through a holistic approach. With a focus on finding sustainable solutions, the City continues to implement dynamic programs designed to assist unhoused and at risk residents. These efforts include expanding access to essential services, fostering partnerships with local organizations, and investing in long-term housing strategies to ensure the well-being and stability of all Milpitas community members.
The City currently administers two key programs in partnership with WeHope, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing essential services such as emergency shelter, food, hygiene programs, and support to help individuals transition out of homelessness. These programs include Outreach and Assessment and the Dignity on Wheels Mobile Shower and Laundry Service, which operates every Sunday on City-owned property on North Main Street near Winsor Court. This location leverages existing utility connections to minimize operational costs, funded by a one-time grant from Assemblymember Alex Lee. The outreach service, supported by the Permanent Local Housing Allocation (PLHA) grant, provides continuous assessment and rapid response for encampment notifications.
The Milpitas Rent Relief Program offers emergency rental assistance to at-risk individuals and families facing economic hardship, helping them stay in their homes and maintain stability during difficult times. This program also received one-time funding through the efforts of Assemblymember Alex Lee. Additionally, the Workforce Housing Rental Assistance Program, launched in early 2024 with over $1 million in state PLHA funds, supports residents earning at or below 30% of the area median income with ongoing, monthly rental assistance to limit the impact of high rent on lower income households.
Milpitas benefits from approximately $600,000 annually in federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, which aid low- and moderate-income individuals, including seniors, victims of
domestic violence, the unhoused, and other populations at risk of becoming homeless. The City’s housing team is actively pursuing further funding opportunities. Upcoming applications include the HCD HOME Grant to support a Tenant-Based Rental Assistance Program (TBRA) similar to Section 8, enhancing long-term affordability for residents.
The City’s Housing team also facilitates regular meetings with staff from the City Manager’s Office, Police, Fire, Code Enforcement, Public Works, Recreation and Community Services, and WeHope to coordinate the City’s response to the needs of our unhoused population. These meetings ensure clear communication among key City functions in responding to homelessness and coordinating the removal of encampments on City-owned property. In addition, this interdepartmental team coordinates with Caltrans, Union Pacific Railroad, Valley Water, and other community partners to address homeless encampments on private property.
Mayor Carmen Montano stated, “The City of Milpitas is dedicated to creating a community where everyone can succeed and reach their full potential. Addressing the challenges faced by the unhoused requires a multi-faceted approach, and we are dedicated to providing the support that our residents need.”
City Manager Ned Thomas shared, “As a compassionate community, Milpitas has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to providing essential resources, services, and opportunities to all residents, including those who are at-risk or unhoused. We aim to help individuals and families not only survive but thrive in a safe, clean, and caring community.”
These comprehensive efforts reflect Milpitas’ commitment to providing robust support for its unhoused and at-risk populations while fostering sustainable housing solutions.
For more information on these programs or to find out how you can get involved, please visit https://www.milpitas.gov/366/Office-of-Housing or e-mail housing@milpitas.gov.