HIP Housing June 13th 2014 Luncheon

HIP Housing Announces its Annual Luncheon Featuring MythBuster’s Jamie Hyneman

June 11, 2014 — HIP Housing announced that it will host its Annual Luncheon on Friday, June 13, 2014 at the Marriott Hotel in San Mateo, Calif. The event will feature Jamie Hyneman, best known as host and executive producer of the very popular Emmy Award winning Discovery Channel show, MythBusters. The show, which has received five Emmy nominations, is one of the most popular reality shows on television today, and has sparked a new generation of scientists, engineers, and thinkers.   

At a time when the cost of a one-bedroom apartment has soared to over $2,100 per month, the need for affordable housing is greater than ever. Fortunately, for those in San Mateo County with few housing options, there is HIP Housing’s Home Sharing program.  One of three programs offered by HIP Housing, Home Sharing partners those who have space in their home with those who need an affordable place to live. With average rents around $700, the program creates a win-win for both home providers and home seekers. Providers gain additional income, companionship, and help with household chores while seekers avoid homelessness and are able to remain in the community where they work and often grew up.

HIP Housing recently matched Selina, a college student and former emancipated youth, with Cornelia, a senior and long-time resident of San Mateo County. Cornelia has been utilizing the Home Sharing program since 2005. She enjoys the program for the companionship it brings, opportunity to help others, and benefits of reducing housing costs."Homesharing with Selina, makes me feel like I am taking a part in improving her life and I am able to help the community. At the same time, Selina helps me with my mortgage and utilities" says Cornelia.  

“The crisis in affordable housing needs to be addressed in San Mateo County. When people argue against affordable housing, they often use myths to convince decision makers that ‘those people and properties’ don’t belong in our community. We hear myths about how traffic will be too heavy, schools will perform poorly and become overcrowded, and property values will decrease,” says Kate Comfort Harr, Executive Director of HIP Housing. 

“As Jamie dispels popular myths about the world around us, we will also be presenting facts that will dispel many of the myths around that affordable housing and show how essential it is to our community’s health and sustainability”, Ms. Comfort Harr continues.   

HIP Housing’s luncheon will also feature a live auction and inspiring client stories. Major sponsors of the Luncheon include Boston Private Bank & Trust, PG&E, San Mateo Credit Union, Wells Fargo Bank, and Facebook. Proceeds will benefit HIP Housing’s Home Sharing, Self-Sufficiency and Property Development programs that provide affordable housing to low-income families and seniors in San Mateo County.  

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About HIP Housing: HIP Housing is a nonprofit specializing in creative affordable housing solutions throughout San Mateo County. At the most challenging time in housing history, HIP Housing helps over 1,400 hard working low-income people to find a decent, affordable place to call home and provides another 3,000 with much needed housing resources.  For more information, please visit www.HIPHousing.org or call 650.348.6660.