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 (AHI), allowing her to remain in San Jose and continue teaching. “It changed my life, “ Julianne says of the AHI program, “I no longer spend my energy worrying about whether I can pay rent.”
The AHI program allows community workers to focus their time and energy on increasing financial stability. “I feel more in control of my finances and all aspects of my life in general!” she shares. “I can set goals for myself that no longer feel impossible, pay off my student loans, and be more present for my students.”
HIF’s Affordable Housing Initiative is dedicated to supporting community workers like Julianne, helping them thrive in the neighborhoods they serve and ensuring they can continue to make a lasting impact.
