After spending a decade pursuing graduate education, Edgar recently started his full-time professional career. Transitioning into a full-time role in Silicon Valley presented its own set of challenges, especially when salaries did not match the region’s high cost of living. Edgar applied to AHI at the beginning of 2024, was accepted and moved into his new apartment in under 2 months.
Edgar grew up in Los Angeles and after completing his undergraduate studies at UCLA, he moved to the South Bay to attend San Jose State University’s Counselor Education Master’s program, focusing on academic support and counseling.
“Joining the Affordable Housing Initiative (AHI) program has significantly impacted my financial situation, easing the stress of living in Silicon Valley. Through the program, I have been able to start paying off debts that I accumulated during graduate school and a period of unemployment before finding full-time work. My housing is conveniently located near my job, which has reduced my commute time and made the transition between work and home much smoother. This combination of financial relief and a shorter commute has greatly improved my overall well-being since entering the program.
The financial support provided by the AHI program has been crucial in helping me reduce debt before starting this new academic journey. With less financial stress related to housing, I am able to focus more on my studies, which is invaluable. The stability provided by the program has allowed me to consider exploring homeownership support options, making the dream of owning a home seem within reach.”
