And like every other city and town in Santa Clara County, Cupertino has played a part in that effort.

In February 2001, Cupertino became one of the early contributors by donating $250,000 to the housing trust. Part of this money has assisted four residents, including two teachers and two engineers, in buying homes in Cupertino.

An initiative to create long-term affordable housing and assist low-income first-time homebuyers, the housing trust was founded in 1997 by several county and local agencies to help 4,800 low- to moderate-income families affected by the housing crisis in high-priced Silicon Valley.

The housing trust's goals were to support the creation of up to 3,000 affordable rental homes, assist nearly 800 first-time homebuyers with low-cost down payment loans, and support the provision of housing and services to more than 1,000 homeless individuals and families.

According to Roccie Hill, executive director of the agency, in less than two years, the housing trust raised an unprecedented $20 million from all sectors of the county, including all cities and towns.

So far the housing trust has helped or is in the process of assisting more than 2,200 families.

"According to the latest survey, affordable housing is the number one need in Cupertino," Councilman Richard Lowenthal said during the May 19 city council meeting. "We appreciate what the housing trust has done and are proud to be a part of the effort."

Carl Guardino, president of Silicon Valley Manufacturing Group, one of the founders of the housing trust,

said the rest of the money the city contributed would help other low- and moderate-income employees and residents of Cupertino.

"We really appreciate the city's donation," Guardino said. "We'll continue to work together to make sure that the money is used to help Cupertino's employees and residents to live in this high-cost valley."

Although it has far surpassed the goals set at the beginning of the campaign, the housing trust is not celebrating yet. It recently launched its second fundraising effort—2,000 Families in 200 Days, a campaign designed to capitalize on the opportunity presented by the recent passage of Proposition 46.

"We'll continue to work to address the critical affordable housing issue," Guardino said. "We know that the need has not abated. The economy has changed considerably in recent years and this further exacerbates the situation for many county residents and employees."

For more information about the housing trust, visit www.housingtrustscc.org.