The turkey shot out of the oven
and rocketed into the air,
it knocked every plate off the table
and partly demolished a chair.
It ricocheted into a corner
and burst with a deafening boom,
then splattered all over the kitchen,
completely obscuring the room.
It stuck to the walls and the windows,
it totally coated the floor,
there was turkey attached to the ceiling,
where there’d never been turkey before.
It blanketed every appliance,
It smeared every saucer and bowl,
there wasn’t a way I could stop it,
that turkey was out of control.
I scraped and I scrubbed with displeasure,
and thought with chagrin as I mopped,
that I’d never again stuff a turkey
with popcorn that hadn’t been popped.
Cash Donations
Make check out to: Milpitas Firefighters Toy Program
777 S. Main St.
Milpitas, CA 95035
Federal Tax ID #26-0267135
For more information, call Fire Station #1 at 408-586-2800
Where to Drop off New, Unwrapped Toys and Canned Food
Milpitas needs to be more aware of the plight of the homeless in our small city, living in forested freeway exits and under bridges next to our streams.
Or housing them by cooperating with the county at the Extended Stay on Hillview Court.
Action Groups Addressing Homelessness
Homelessness Task Force
On January 5, 2021, the City Council, upon the request of Mayor Tran, approved the establishment of a Homelessness Task Force. The purpose of the Task Force is to expand resident participation in addressing homelessness issues within the City. Staff will support the Task Force with meeting facilitation and the meetings will be open to the public. The Task Force will present its recommendations to the City Council on a quarterly basis. Meeting Frequency: Second Thursdays of each month. No meeting in July.
Housing Task Force
The Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors unanimously created a Task Force charged with focusing on solutions to the immediate housing needs of the more than 7,000 homeless families and individuals across Santa Clara County on February 24, 2015.
Hope for the Unhoused
Founded in 2020, Hope for the Unhoused, a Milpitas based 501(c)(3) charitable organization, has been working hard with the help of our volunteers and partners to help the unhoused and families in need in Milpitas. Our work is dedicated to:
• Providing Outreach to the Unhoused
• Providing “Street Level Client Management”
• Educating community on the challenge of homelessness
• Preventing homelessness through food and education programs.
Roadmap Home 2030
The Roadmap Home includes more than 50 policies that, when fully implemented, will address the root causes of housing insecurity and homelessness across our state. Tell your state senators and assembly members to endorse the Roadmap Home 2030.
Resources for Homeless Individuals
Sleeping Bags for the Homeless of Silicon Valley
Sleeping bags of the Homeless is in need of Dog and Cat food, water, protein bars, hygiene supplies, tarps/tents, Shoes in good condition, as well as cellphones in working condition. (In order to communicate with the homeless to provide them with details needed for distributing supplies and locating them.) sleepinghomeless@yahoo.com 408-991-3326
Housing and Shelters
Hillview Court – Shelter in former long stay hotel
The unhoused find shelter at Hillview Court Apartments in Milpitas
By Rhoda Shapiro March 2, 2021
Hillview Court is unique in that it’s an affordable community, made possible by funding from the CARES Act. Last year, $846 million in funding was put toward California’s Project Homekey in an effort to help people without homes get off the street. Across California, nearly 100 buildings were purchased and converted into apartments to provide long-term housing for those experiencing homelessness.x
Hillview Court – Jamboree Housing
Existing hotel in Milpitas has been rehabilitated into 132 permanent apartments.
The County of Santa Clara has secured $29.2 million in state funding to convert a hotel in Milpitas into permanent apartments for people experiencing homelessness. The site, which was an Extended Stay America, is now the first development in Milpitas fully dedicated for permanent supportive housing. The building, located at 1000 Hillview Court in Milpitas, has been renamed “Hillview Court” and is providing 132 apartments for formerly homeless or those at risk of becoming homeless – some of whom lost homes as a result of the pandemic.
Other Shelters Near Milpitas
Homeless Shelters Directory for Milpitas
Welcome to our Milpitas, California Homeless Shelters and Services for the needy page. Below are all of the shelters and services for the needy that provide help to those in need for Milpitas, CA and surrounding cities. We also provide other resources for the unhoused such as transitional resources and services that help the needy.
Habitat for Humanity, East Bay/Silicon Valley
We miss our volunteers and cannot wait to have you back! Take a look here for individual volunteer opportunities, and for group volunteering or any additional questions, please get in touch with our Volunteer Team at Volunteer@HabitatEBSV.org. As a HUD-approved Housing Counseling Agency, our Housing Counseling program works to build financial stability and pave a path to housing that offers families strength, stability, and self-reliance. 513 Valley Way 408-942-6444
HomeFirst
A leading provider of services, shelter, and housing opportunities to the homeless and those at risk of homelessness in Santa Clara County. We serve more than 5,000 adults, veterans, families, and youth each year at nine locations including our Boccardo Reception Center, which is the county’s largest housing services center.
Milpitas, CA Low Income Housing
We have listed the low income / affordable apartments in Milpitas, CA. Properties include HUD low income housing, public housing offered by housing authorities along with non profit organizations that help with low income housing needs.
Santa Clara County low income transitional housing and shelter
Families facing eviction or the currently unhoused can look into a number of housing resources in the greater San Jose and Santa Clara County region. Several non-profits, charities, and government programs provide short term shelter, transitional housing, and case management to impacted individuals.
News & Legal Action Regarding Homelessness in Milpitas
Use of Rights of Way and Public Property Ordinance (aka Camping Ban) – We can do better!
By Rob Jung – Board President of Hope for the Unhoused – September 14, 2022
Many of the unhoused are trying to get off the streets. They don’t want to be there, but their circumstances limit what they can do. Imposing fines and jail time because they have no place to go adds to the hurdles for them to get back into society. This “kick them when they are down” approach actually worsens the situation for our unhoused, which is counterproductive to the community goal of getting them off our streets.
We are celebrating 40 years of service in 2020 and are proud to be the service provider for the City of San Jose’s recently opened Bridge Housing Communities (BHC). Each BHC provides interim housing opportunities to unhoused single adults in a safe, private, and secure environment. HomeFirst delivers on-site supportive services to BHC participants and 24/7 staffing.
Contact the Outreach Helpline at 408-510-7600 or email outreach@homefirstscc.org for information. 507 Valley Way
Milpitas, CA 95035
Homeless Hotline: 408-510-7600
To Donate Needed Items: 408-539-2100
Homelessness in & around Milpitas: Part 1, Part II, and Part III
We examined how homelessness has grown throughout the country and the region, and highlighted some steps that Santa Clara County and the City of Milpitas have taken to address this issue. By David Newman, Milpitas Beat, May 2021.
San Jose homeless residents on Microsoft land worry about sweep
About 40 unhoused people are tucked away on a small parcel of land adjacent to busy Highway 237. The encampment sits around the same location where Microsoft plans to construct two data centers in San Jose near the Milpitas border.
Silicon Valley Stong
On April 21, 2020, the City Council approved construction of the first emergency interim housing community on a parcel at the intersection of Monterey Road and Bernal Road. The City Council also directed staff to develop plans for emergency interim housing on Evans Lane near Almaden Expressway, and on Rue Ferrari near Highway 101. by Brandon Pho, San Jose Spotlight, March 4, 2024.
Food for those in Need
Free and Low Cost Meals
There are a number of places in Milpitas that offer free and low cost meals for those having difficulty meeting their nutrition needs.
Milpitas Food Pantry 1440 S. Main Street
Provides free food, clothing, and household items.
Milpitas, CA 95035
We are closer to Montague Expressway in the same plaza as M & B Plumbing, Silicon Valley Lockmasters, The Cat’s Nest, and Abbott Auto Service. 408-946-5564
Health Services for the Homeless
Gardner Health Services
Our medical team provides a variety of preventive and primary healthcare services to homeless individuals including substance use treatment and counseling, case management, and urgent care referrals. The program also offers eligibility and registration services through homeless shelter locations in the Santa Clara County. Our services are provided by two medical mobile units, at John XXIII Service Center, and at two intermittent clinics in partnership with City Team and the Bill Wilson Center.
For help call 408-935-3908
Milpitas has a wide variety of coffee and tea shops. Those listed here focus mostly on their drinks, though they may have some food. Cafés and bakeries, which have good coffees and teas, too, are listed on their own page.
Cha Cha
We offer traditional Bubble Milk Tea (variety of toppings), Fruit Tea, Popcorn
Chicken, Karaoke Booth, X-Box Game Room, and more! Check out our seasonal drinks, Fresh
Dragon Fruit Slush! Catering service is available.
1777 N. Milpitas Blvd. 408-493-5312
Community Coffee
We are open to the public 7 days a week, 7am-9pm, located inside Christ Community Church of Milpitas. Coffee, Espresso, Beans, Pastries, ice cream, free Wi-Fi, plenty of table space, seating, and comfy couches. 1000 S. Park Victoria Drive. 408-262-8000
Feng Cha Teahouse Facebook. “The location was spacious and full of tables. The staff were friendly and helpful as I ordered my drinks. There was as s line, so while I waited, I had time to snap pictures.” 489 E Calaveras Blvd. 669-263-6350
Gong Cha Yelp reviews: “The tea is good (I would still give Fantasia the upper hand in terms of quality and freshness of tea), and the pearls are the perfect texture (not too soggy or too hard).” 372 Barber Ln Ste 230 408-428-9360
i-♥-Tea
Our tea was found in Kaohsiung and Alishan Province, to the current position as one of the largest tea grower in Taiwan. Over 45 years of experience in the tea industry, we bring you many unique drink selections, you always can get a cup of perfectly made fresh tea every time. 760 E Calaveras Blvd. 408-262-2988
Quickly
Counter-serve cafe chain for Taiwanese bubble tea in many flavors, plus Asian desserts & snacks. Now even with burgers and fries. Open until midnight weekdays, 2AM weekends. 1350 S Park Victoria Dr # 30 (Parktown Plaza) 408-934-1521
Teasociety
Yelp reviews. “It’s really cozy and there’s a lot of tvs around playing various things like sports or anime. Overall a very comfortable place.” 55 N Milpitas Blvd. 408-708-4772
Teaspoon Yelp reviews. We specialize in serving premium handcrafted tea. Our drinks are made to order using an espresso machine specifically designed to brew tea. 201 W Calaveras Blvd. (Calaveras Plaza Shopping Center.) 408-770-3675
Milpitas has a wide variety of bakeries to suit your taste or occasion. You can order a wedding or birthday cake, or pick up some pastries or donuts for the office.
Cinnabon
Mouthwatering aroma, fresh-baked cinnamon rolls, and great service. Very clever Flash intro. A Great Mall eatery. 175 Great Mall Dr. 408-934-7118
Crumbl Cookies
The best cookies in the world. Fresh and gourmet desserts for takeout, delivery or pick-up. Made fresh daily. Unique and trendy flavors weekly. 537 E Calaveras Blvd 669-244-5242
Gram Cafe & Pancakes
I wasn’t sure exactly which category of restaurant to put this in: they feature the most luscious, premium pancakes in existance!
Tuesday – Sun 11am to 8pm. Outdoor Dining & Takeout & Delivery 1191 E. Calaveras Blvd.
You can preorder by texting 408-262-7888
Mian Bao House & Chiffon Bakery
Top rated bakery in Milpitas, East Bay since 2019. When customers walk into our bakery, they’re immediately greeted by an overwhelmingly delicious smell of freshly baked treats that no one can resist. 1718 N Milpitas Blvd.
Call or Text 510-673-2220
OMG! Itss a cake, LLC
Looking for the Eggless cake to make your occasion memorable? You are in the right page.I am a home baker Specialized in Hand Crafted Eggfree Custom Cakes. 993 Jungfrau Ct. 408-203-8711
Paris Baguette
In addition to chef-inspired cakes, pastries, sandwiches, salads, and signature coffee and tea, we offer a unique experience to thousands of guests daily. 249 W Calaveras Blvd. 408-263-0404
Valerio’s Tropical Bake Shop
Valerio’s City Bakery instantly became highly recognized within the community through the introduction of our Filipino/trademark bread, known as “Pan de Sal.” Delivered hot and straight out of the oven, customers quickly grew accustomed to ordering our dinner rolls. 1535 Landess Ave. 408-946-8877
There are a number of places in Milpitas that offer free and low cost meals for those having difficulty meeting their nutrition needs.
Community Food Drop Off Locations
If you have excess fruit and are physically able to harvest it, the following agencies accept and distribute fruit and produce donations to the hungry in their communities.
Park Victoria Baptist Church, Operation Share.
Drop Off Days and Hours: Tu-Fr 9 am – 12 pm / 2 pm – 5 pm at the church office 875 S. Park Victoria Dr. (408) 263-9000
Food Assistance: Applying for CalFresh
If you believe you may be eligible for Food Stamp benefits, you may apply online via the Benefits CalWIN website. If you submit your application online, you will receive an appointment letter for a face-to-face or phone interview. Be aware that there are scam sites online. These are the official Santa Clara County and California sites. 1-877-962-3633
Great Plates Delivered Program
Residents in need of GPD services can click here to sign up OR call 211, 408-350-3230, option 1. San José launched Great Plates Delivered (GPD), to encourage restaurant recovery, bolster food distribution efforts, and provide up to 30,000 meals per week to eligible seniors and high-risk vulnerable populations. GPD was announced by Governor Gavin Newson on April 24 as an “Emergency Feeding Program Framework” seeking to expand meal access to include a population of newly defined vulnerable persons, stimulate local restaurant recovery, and put in place streamlined funding guidance by the State.
Loaves & Fishes Family Kitchen
Serving the working poor, families, homeless and seniors living in and around the downtown and East Side of San Jose for more than 25 years. Sobrato Foundation center, off Abbott.
No Cost Meals for ALL Youth Age 0-18
School Year 2020-2021 Application for Free and Reduced Priced Meal is Now Available. Apply Online Here!
Schedule change to the No Cost Meals distribution per Student Nutrition Services
Santa Clara County Food Pantries
Information and contact information on programs that provide boxes of free groceries in Milpitas and Alviso.
Senior Center
The Senior Lunch program is once again available. Reserve your meal and then come from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm to the Senior Center Community Room. To make your To-Go lunch reservations please call 408-586-3413.
Seniors 60 years and older, suggested contribution is $3 per meal.
Guests 50-59 years, $6 per meal.
A reservation is required to guarantee a meal. Reservations must be made by 12:00 pm the day before(or Friday for a Monday meal). Reservations can be made by notifying the Nutrition Desk staff or by calling the Lunch Reservation Hotline at 408-586-3413
Menus are included in the Senior Newsletter.
Fosters Freeze
An old-fashioned drive-in burger-n-shakes joint that is a favorite with local car clubs. This is a link to the Audi Club message board about a meeting they had here.
78 Serra Way
408-262-4272.
Hot Dog on a Stick
Fresh hot dogs cooked before your eyes & hand-squeezed lemonade.
Great Mall, Entrance 4, #610
800-321-8400
Wayback Burgers
First halal franchise and its first Northern California restaurant. 1547 California Circle, near Interstate 880, off the eastbound Dixon Landing Road exit.
Nutritional information not available.
Milpitas has a fair number of food producers, and companies that provide equipment and bulk food to restaurants and grocery stores.
Big Dog Vineyards
We have produced Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc wines from this vineyard since 2001. Our commitment remains to these two varietals and just a few hundred cases are carefully and lovingly handmade the old fashioned way in this unique family winery which overlooks the San Francisco Bay. Yelp Reviews 4545 Felter Road 408-935-9194
Daylight Foods
California’s premier sourcer of food from farms to grocers and restaurants. In our current location, which boasts over 50,000 sq ft, we now have a large warehouse with a processing room, state of the art coolers, repack areas and loading dock. 660 Vista Way 408-284-7300
