AHI Stories

Julianne’s Story

Julianne is a dedicated middle school English teacher who was born and raised in San Jose. Passionate about teaching in the community she loves, she faced a significant challenge: the high cost of living in the area. With the majority of her income going towards rent, she struggled to afford groceries and teaching expenses. Faced with the possibility of moving to Bend Oregon with her parents to save money, Julianne would have had to leave both her home and her students behind. Fortunately, her colleague referred her to HIF’s Affordable Housing Initiative.

Tim and LeeAnn’s Story

Tim and LeeAnn applied for AHI at the beginning of 2024 and successfully moved into their apartment in July of the same year. At the time, Tim was working as a special education teacher and faced challenges after his partner lost her job. The family struggled to manage rent, daily expenses, and the additional costs of maintaining Tim's teaching credentials and licenses, all of which created a substantial financial burden. AHI provided an ability to stay local and continue serving the community, while also allowing the family to focus on financial stability and career growth.

Michelle’s Journey

Michelle first applied for AHI in April 2024, and was moved into her new apartment in June 2024. Michelle works for a non-profit in San Mateo County and was struggling with the increasing costs of the Bay Area. "The AHI program provided invaluable support and resources, enabling me to focus on my health and recovery while continuing to serve my community. AHI's assistance has been instrumental in helping me regain financial stability. My passion for serving the community is driven by my lived experience, and I find deep fulfillment in helping others navigate the system to achieve stability."