Housing Lottery Offers Families The American Dream

In Silicon Valley, a creative housing lottery has given some families the opportunity to own a home, though some participants walk away with crushed hopes.

1 minute read

July 27, 2001, 12:00 PM PDT

By Christian Madera @http://www.twitter.com/cpmadera


"The lottery was the way to the dream. No fine print on a brochure told them that. Eric Darko and Larry Moore just believed it to be true. The two men spent this past year competing in an unusual lottery for the chance to purchase a home for less than $300,000 in a new East Palo Alto subdivision where the going price is $700,000. With more than 300 low- and moderate-income families competing for a mere 22 homes, both men knew the odds against them were great. But desperation pushed them to place their dreams on chance."

Thanks to Christian Peralta

Thursday, July 26, 2001 in San Jose Mercury News

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

July 2, 2025 - Mother Jones

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Screenshot of shade map of Buffalo, New York with legend.

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

0 seconds ago - 2TheAdvocate.com

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

18 minutes ago - Mother Jones

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog