One Spare Room Can Change a Life
Written By Cetazos
Many individuals are familiar with Judy Fusco, the Los Altos resident who rented to a young Mark Zuckerberg upon his arrival in the region to establish Facebook. However, few are aware of the profound significance of this event to Judy. The most crucial aspect lies in its underlying premise.
Judy was the youngest of ten children. The loss of the family’s wealth during the Chinese Civil War and her father’s experiences during this tumultuous upheaval ultimately led them to settle in Taiwan. This laid the foundation for her father’s enduring lesson, “Throughout his life, he impressed one lesson upon all of his children, which I passed along to mine; always do good in the world.”
Judy continues to honor this commitment to this day.
Three years ago, after being introduced to The United Effort Organization (UEO), Judy offered the cottage behind her home to one of our clients, a gentleman named Scott.
Scott had always worked diligently and was now rebuilding his life after a divorce. Like many individuals employed in our community, he simply lacked the financial means to secure stable housing.
One decision made by Judy transformed Scott’s life.
Scott discovered the stability that comes with having an affordable place to live. Instead of having to constantly worry about finding a safe spot to park his car to sleep for the night, he now focuses on work, on saving money, and on planning for his future.
“Thanks to Judy and the volunteers at UEO, I have been able to live near the community where I work, Stanford. I share a kitchen and bathroom, but have my own private bedroom with a window facing tall trees and a tranquil shade garden. Judy has been an incredibly kind and supportive landlord.”
For Judy, the opening of her property transcended the act of renting a cottage. It represented an opportunity to provide someone with a new chapter in their life, and to move forward.
Since then, Judy has welcomed four additional UEO clients into her home. As one tenant becomes stable and moves on, she opens her doors to another. In July, she welcomed a fifth individual who needed temporary housing while searching for employment.
Judy’s story serves as a reminder — one homeowner can make a significant difference.
Across Santa Clara County, thousands of cottages, Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), and spare bedrooms remain unoccupied. Simultaneously, many individuals with low income, who serve and work to keep our community vibrant, encounter challenges in finding affordable housing options.
Through our Live Where You Work, Retire Where You Belong pilot, supported by the Los Altos Mountain View Community Foundation, UEO aims to connect homeowners with trusted, carefully screened individuals who are contributing to our community and are simply seeking an affordable place to call home.
Reducing housing instability does not require new construction.
Sometimes, it begins by opening the door of an existing home.
Do you have a spare room, an ADU, or a cottage available? Perhaps this could be an individual’s next step toward stability, and your contribution to our community.
UEO would be delighted to speak with you.
Please send us an email, info@theunitedeffort.org, or call us at 650-209-0850.