Villa Esperanza Reopens in Gilroy

Villa Esperanza celebrated its grand re-opening on December 11, welcoming residents, partners, and local leaders to mark the completion of a comprehensive rehabilitation of the 21-unit affordable housing community in Gilroy. Owned and operated by Eden Housing, Villa Esperanza provides stable, affordable homes for individuals with disabilities and families and plays a key role in preserving long-term affordability in Santa Clara County.

Originally built in 2000 and acquired by Eden Housing in 2016 as part of a broader preservation effort, the property has been fully renovated with new kitchens and bathrooms, energy-efficient appliances, updated flooring and lighting, and fresh paint throughout. Building upgrades include new exterior windows, high-efficiency HVAC systems, roofs, signage, and lighting, along with site improvements such as refreshed landscaping and repaired irrigation systems. The result is a renewed community that improves comfort, sustainability, and quality of life for residents.

The celebration featured remarks from Gilroy Mayor Greg Bozzo, along with county and state representatives, Eden Housing leadership, and project partners. Century Housing’s Vice President and Director of Northern California Lending, Justin Chen, also spoke at the event, highlighting Century’s role in supporting the rehabilitation through construction financing.

“Villa Esperanza is a great example of why preserving existing affordable housing is just as important as building new homes. Twenty-one families, many of them long-term residents, will continue to live in safe, updated homes because of this project,” said Justin Chen, Vice President and Director of Northern California Lending at Century Housing. “Century is proud to work alongside Eden Housing and public partners to ensure this community remains affordable, well-maintained, and serving Gilroy for the long term.”

With the renovation complete and the community fully occupied, Villa Esperanza stands as a testament to the power of collaboration—bringing together nonprofit developers, public agencies, and mission-driven lenders to preserve affordability and strengthen neighborhoods.