Ten homeless families in San Jose got off to a bright start for the new year by moving into brand-new transitional housing units next to the Boccardo Regional Reception Center run by the Emergency Housing Consortium on Little Orchard Street. The consortium provides housing, job skills and clinical services to 13,000 homeless individuals in Santa Clara County every year. The new construction was funded by a $1 million grant from San Jose and other contributors.

"Despite the state's fiscal mess, the city of San Jose has demonstrated tremendous leadership by investing in housing for the poorest among us," Emergency Housing Consortium CEO Barry Del Buono said.

The studio apartments are available for 90 days at a limited cost and classes on money management, creating a resume, counseling and children's tutoring are provided by staff and volunteers.

"Families have a lot of work to do in three months [to find a job and permanent housing]," Family Division Director Jennifer Hodgson said.

Ernie Ahumada and his 11-year-old son and 8-year-old daughter moved into their new place on Dec. 30. Previously the family had been sleeping in a van. "It's hard to be a single parent and keep a job," Ahumada said. "This is the best program I've found."

High school seniors
can apply for grants

California high school seniors have until March 2 to apply for a Cal Grant to be eligible to receive up to $9,700 in free money for college.

Cal Grants can be used toward tuition and costs at almost any California college—public and private universities, community colleges and vocational schools. And, the money does not have to be repaid.

Graduating high school seniors and recent graduates are eligible for a Cal Grant if they have a 2.0 grade point average minimum and satisfy certain financial requirements. To apply, they need to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and the Cal Grant GPA Verification forms.

For more information on Cal Grants, including eligibility, where to find forms and instructions on completing the forms, visit www.calgrants.org or call 1.888.CAGRANT (224.7268). Information on other college financial-aid options can also be obtained on the Cal Grants website. To obtain FAFSA-specific information, log on to www.fafsa.edgov.