SUNNYVALE — For months, Hulita Inukihaangana and her family struggled to find affordable housing in the South Bay, often seeking refuge in local homeless shelters and temporary stays at hotels. Then finally, she was handed a lifeline. The family moved into a Sunnyvale apartment in 2020 owned by Aresa Properties — whose mission is to provide housing to low-income families on their property sites and is creating affordable ADUs, also known as in-law units or backyard homes, in the city and elsewhere.
“It’s important to be able to give people a place to call home,” Inukihaangana said Friday, surrounded by Aresa Properties owners, their supporters and local leaders to celebrate the opening of their first ADU at Helen Avenue, located north of El Camino Real. Three other ADUs are in the works at Aresa’s existing properties around the city and another will come to West San Jose in 2025, according to Teresa Augstin, principal partner at the company. They partner with local housing agencies — including Santa Clara County Housing Authority, Life Moves and Sunnyvale Community Services — to find families in need to fill their units.
The company especially has a soft spot for single mothers with young kids. “We believe stable housing can help minimize trauma for children and youth,” Augstin said. “They can focus on their education and ultimately change the trajectory of their future in a positive way.
” The market price for a Sunnyvale duplex like Helen Avenue’s, .
