SILICON VALLEY — The California Apartment Association has earned public accolades for assisting fire victims in one Silicon Valley city and helping protect schoolchildren in another.
Mayor Jeffrey Gee called CAA Tri-County a “partner in our community” that plays a pivotal role, especially when disasters hit.
After two fires in Redwood City, CAA’s Tri-County Division donated $4,000 to the Create A Smile Foundation, a nonprofit established by the Redwood City Firefighters Association.
CAA’s contribution helped provide basic-need items and moving assistance to families affected by a pair of apartment blazes on Woodside Road.
Mayor Jeffrey Gee called CAA Tri-County a “partner in our community” that plays a pivotal role, especially when disasters hit.
“We need you as you need us, and it all goes together,” Gee said during the video-recorded meeting Jan. 27.
Joshua Howard, Tri-County’s executive director, said CAA not only made a financial contribution, but individual members identified ways to cut costs and hasten the application process.
“One member found 24 rental units in San Mateo County for 24 of the displaced families,” Howard recalled. “Another quickly offered discounts on security deposits and their screening requirements.”
He said this allowed fire victims — who suddenly were facing homelessness — a place to live that was close to their children’s schools and their jobs.
In other philanthropy, CAA Tri-County answered the call after learning that Foster City needed financial help keeping its crossing guard program afloat. In the elementary school district, 30 percent to 40 percent of schoolchildren live in rental housing.
CAA donated $2,500, helping keep kids safe en route to and from school.
The City Council honored Tri-County during its video-recorded meeting Feb. 3.
CAA Tri-County staff attended the presentations, along with board members representing major rental housing companies, such as Prometheus, Woodmont, Prodesse and Pacific Urban.