Lofgren & Local Leaders Celebrate Nearly $2.7 Million in Federal Funding for Housing Projects in Santa Clara County

SAN JOSE, CA - Today, U.S. Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren (CA-18) presented two checks appropriated by Congress for community projects totaling $2,666,279 for housing projects in Santa Clara County. Click here to view or download photos from the event.

The funding comes from Lofgren-requested Community Project Funding included in Fiscal Year 2024 government funding legislation signed into law in March 2024. In total, Lofgren secured $50,095,535 for projects in the 18th Congressional District.

"Homelessness and the lack of affordable housing are serious problems in Santa Clara County, and they require short- and long-term solutions from leaders at all levels of government. This federal funding will help provide and improve housing options for two incredibly valued populations: Farmworkers and veterans. I appreciate that County officials made me aware of these projects that will make a tangible difference in the community," said Rep. Zoe Lofgren.

Lofgren presented a check for $1,666,279 to Santa Clara County for the farmworker housing rehabilitation and electrification pilot program. This project will be used to upgrade non-compliant farmworker housing to meet code compliance and be energy efficient and/or all-electric. The low-income farmworker housing will both reduce greenhouse gas emissions for the community and lower energy costs for residents.

She also presented a check for $1,000,000 to Santa Clara County for the emergency housing and transitional housing for homeless veterans' project, which was also requested by Rep. Ro Khanna (CA-17). The federal funds will be used to support time-sensitive repairs on buildings being acquired by the County to serve homeless individuals. Repairs include the installation of a new HVAC system, updates of a commercial kitchen, and ongoing plumbing issues.

"We're grateful for this infusion of more than $2.6 million to support our unhoused veterans and the county's agricultural workers," said Santa Clara County Executive James R. Williams. "These funds will go toward critical projects to improve housing for farm workers and help veterans experiencing homelessness get back on their feet, and they support two of the County's top policy priorities: improving access to housing and promoting sustainability."

"The $1.6 million in federal funding that Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren secured will play a crucial role in funding work to improve substandard agricultural worker housing, delivering swift results for families that have no time to waste," said Santa Clara County Supervisor Sylvia Arenas (District 1). "Farmworkers in Santa Clara County face a desperate shortage of housing, and where there is available housing - much of it is substandard. Last year, I led Santa Clara County to adopt a comprehensive workplan to address these issues, and I'm immensely grateful that Congresswoman Lofgren immediately stepped up to be part of it."

"A huge THANK YOU to Congresswoman Lofgren for securing $2.66M to rehabilitate the unhoused veterans' facility at 10 Kirk Avenue recently acquired by the County of Santa Clara and for housing for farmworkers. Those who served our nation or who grow our food deserve a safe place to call home," said Santa Clara County Supervisor Otto Lee (District 3).

"Our veterans deserve safe, high-quality housing. As the cost of rent skyrockets, we need to step up to help veterans who have served our nation. I'm proud to have secured this funding with Rep. Lofgren for the Restoration of Emergency Shelters and Transitional Housing for Homeless Veterans in San Jose. I look forward to seeing this community program expand economic opportunities for veterans and want to thank the local cities, Housing Authority and community-based organizations for their commitment to helping Santa Clara County," said Rep. Ro Khanna.

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