MENLO PARK, CA, November 13, 2026 — Elected officials and public- and private-sector partners gathered today to celebrate the Grand Opening of Oak Gardens, a new affordable housing development of MidPen Housing providing 62 homes for veterans and their families, including 55 with a preference for people who have experienced homelessness. Located directly on the VA Palo Alto Health Care System campus in Menlo Park, Oak Gardens offers residents integrated access to stable housing alongside healthcare and supportive services.
“Oak Gardens represents what is possible when we come together to ensure our veterans have access to safe, affordable housing and the stability they deserve,” said Rep. Kevin Mullin (CA-15). “As we recognize servicemembers this Veterans Day, we are reminded that honoring those who served means ensuring they can live out their lives with dignity. Our veterans deserve affordable homes where they can retire, build stability, and live without the fear of housing insecurity. I applaud MidPen Housing for the nonprofit’s longstanding commitment to providing safe, quality, affordable homes to people in our community and look forward to continuing to partner with them in the future.”
Developed on land leased through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ Enhanced-Use Lease program, Oak Gardens is a 100% permanent supportive housing community serving households with incomes up to 30% to 50% of Area Median Income ($44,130-$73,550 for a one-person household). Thirty-five HUD-VASH project-based vouchers provide even deeper affordability.
“Permanent supportive housing is a proven solution to addressing the homelessness crisis, and we’re proud to partner with the VA to create a community of affordable homes and integrated services for veterans and their families,” said Matthew O. Franklin, President and CEO of MidPen Housing. “As our nation recognizes Veterans Day this week, we are reminded that supporting veterans requires sustained investment and collaboration, and we applaud our national, state, and local partners for their commitment to making Oak Gardens a reality.”
At Oak Gardens, residents enjoy amenities such as a community gathering space with a kitchen, thoughtfully designed outdoor areas, secure bicycle storage, and on-site laundry. Through MidPen Services, residents benefit from case management and comprehensive programs that promote educational achievement, health and wellness, and economic opportunity. The community also provides convenient connections to VA programs and services with dedicated offices for HUD VASH case managers. Located near SamTrans bus lines, the community gives residents convenient access to neighborhood shops, markets, and services.
“First Citizens Bank proudly recognizes the service and sacrifice of our nation’s veterans,” said Fiona Hsu, Head of Community Development Finance for First Citizens. “We’re honored to support Oak Gardens in creating affordable housing for veterans and their families, providing a foundation for long-term economic stability and success.”
Financing for Oak Gardens is provided through public and private sources including the City of Menlo Park, County of San Mateo, Housing Trust Silicon Valley, National Equity Fund, Inc. (NEF), California Department of Housing and Community Development, First Citizens Bank, Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), Housing Authority of the County of San Mateo, Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco, and the California Tax Credit Allocation Committee.
The architect is Van Meter Williams Pollack LLP and the general contractor is Guzman Construction Group.
To learn more about MidPen Housing, visit www.midpen-housing.org.
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About MidPen Housing
MidPen Housing is one of the most trusted, mission-driven developers, owners, and managers of high-quality affordable housing in California. Our mission: To provide safe, affordable housing of high quality to those in need; establish stability and opportunity in the lives of residents; and foster diverse communities that allow people from all ethnic, social and economic backgrounds to live in dignity, harmony and mutual respect. Founded in 1970, MidPen currently serves 22,800 residents at 142 properties in 12 Northern California counties. For more information visit: www.midpen-housing.org.