Stories
From Homeless to Giving Hope
Five years ago, Charlie was homeless — unsure where life would take her next. Charlie’s story shows what’s possible when we believe in people. Hear...
Art for Warmth: Client Painting Workshop!
After a volunteer session in early October, we chatted with a new volunteer, who we learned is a local artist and art educator. As part...
From Isolation to Independence: A Veteran’s Story
For this client, life on the street wasn’t how things were supposed to turn out. After serving for many years in the Army, working for...
Welcome Home, Lidia and Hugo!
We are absolutely thrilled to share that our amazing clients, Lidia and her son Hugo, have just moved into their very own apartment! They’re overjoyed—and...
Collaborative Story: From First Meeting to New Home in 6 months
On October 5, 2024, during our very first collaboration at the Neighborhood Hands Resource Fair in San Jose, we met a new...
About Us: Affordable Housing Database
Curious about how we collect and update our Affordable Housing data, shared on our website? Finding affordable housing in Santa Clara County shouldn’t feel like...
From Seeking Support to Leading Change: Joye’s Story
“For the purposes of this story, please call me Joye. I grew up in San Francisco and have lived in the Bay Area for most...
United Effort Celebrates 5 Years Supporting Unhoused Neighbors in Santa Clara County
Mountain View, CA – July 1, 2025 – Today marks the 5-year anniversary of The United Effort Organization, Inc., a grassroots nonprofit that has helped...
Meredith: From Crisis to Stability
“Hi there. Call me Meredith. I was unhoused for several months, after my home was flooded. Up front, I want to say, Wei – and...
Our Very Own Charlie’s Angels!
Being unhoused is deeply traumatic. Imagine losing your job, family support and your home – it’s overwhelming, to say the least. On top of...
Navy Veteran: From the Streets to Stability
“Hi, I’m a Navy veteran who spent 25 years on the streets. I have a lot of stories, but want to share how much The...
John Huggins' Story
John Huggins' story is a testament to the importance of community support in helping individuals achieve self-sufficiency and comfortable living situations. Through the support of...
My Angel, Janet, Cared and Fought for Me!
Angela Montoya's story is a powerful example of resilience and the transformative power of community support in helping individuals overcome homelessness and achieve stability. With...
"You're not on your own" A Poem By Nord, a United Effort Organization Client
In the heart's mirror, compassion's face is clear, A beacon of empathy, to all those near. In the cold, harsh world, a warm embrace, A...
Celebrating 4 years of The United Effort Organization on July 1, 2024!
“We need to help people find safe housing and public assistance!” said Wei and Claire, then-volunteers at local non-profit Hope’s Corner. Amid the pandemic, they...
Mikey Garden’s Journey: From Trauma to Triumph
Mikey Garden’s story is one of perseverance and growth beyond extreme childhood trauma. With the support of The United Effort Organization, Mikey is now housed,...
Collaboration and Persistence Win!
“For this article, please call me Roberta. I’m 74 years old and was born and raised here in Santa Clara County. I’m not using my...
The United Effort Finds Services Others May Not Look For!
Nord’s story with the United Effort began in April 2024, when Nord visited Hope’s Corner for the first time to get a meal with his...
Three Angels are Helping my Dreams Come True!
“December 2023 is when my faith was restored. Three angels appeared - Charlie and Wei from The United Effort Organization, and Todd, from Agape Silicon...
The United Effort Organization helped save my life!
Hi, I’m going to call myself Randy for this story. I’m 60 years old and currently unhoused. I truly believe that the United Effort helped...
A Veteran Focused on the Future
“Until I found the volunteers at The United Effort Organization, everyone else had told me that I didn’t qualify for affordable housing. At the United...
High Schooler: “A wonderful, truly gratifying experience”
“Hi! My name is Andrew and I am currently a freshman in college, all the way across the country in Maine (I can’t even believe...
Scott's Story
“Hi, I’m Scott. I’ve worked full-time at Stanford Medicine as a bus operator for over 11 years. It’s a great job, and I really enjoy...
Paying it Forward by Volunteering with the United Effort
Hi - my name is James Reed. I’m 56 years old and live in Santa Clara, California. I’m sharing my story so I can...
Local Resident Protects a United Effort Client’s Piano!
After losing her rental cottage, a United Effort client needed help finding shelter not only for herself but also for her most prized possession and...
Frank’s Story
"Eight years ago I was feeling very lost. I turned to alcohol, which numbed me but did not help. I was homeless, sleeping wherever I...
Car Donation Helps with Commuting and Housing Search!
Hi, I’ll call myself Katie. I have been unhoused for about four and a half years. I currently work part-time at a local law firm,...