Donate funds
The work we do at Housing Matters would not be possible without our strong base of generous supporters. In FY2021, we received $2.65 million in contributions from individual donors. These individual contributions, which make up nearly a third of our total income (see our latest Annual Report for more financials), are put to use immediately to help end homelessness for unhoused adults and families with children in Santa Cruz County.
We encourage you to give in ways that are meaningful to you. You may choose to give anonymously, or in a loved one’s honor or memory. Thank you for your generosity!
Ways to give
by mail
Make a check payable to Housing Matters and mail to:
Housing Matters
PO Box 1319
Santa Cruz, CA 95061
by phone
Make a donation using your credit card by calling:
Mer Stafford, Chief Impact Officer
(831) 226-2512
+–Matching gifts
Many employers will match your donation to causes you care about. Ask your employer today if they will match your gift!
+–Charitable trust or annuity
A charitable trust or annuity is an extraordinary way to provide lifetime contributions that help ensure Housing Matters’ ability to serve those experiencing homelessness in our community. You can establish a charitable trust as part of your giving legacy, or on behalf of a loved one. For more information, contact:
Mer Stafford, Chief Impact Officer
mstafford@housingmatterssc.org
(831) 226-2512
+–Bequests
One of the simplest ways to support Housing Matters’s future, a bequest provides a gift for Housing Matters in your will. There are no minimum dollar requirements or limits to the amount you can leave, and bequests are entirely free from federal estate tax. For more information, contact:
Mer Stafford, Chief Impact Officer
mstafford@housingmatterssc.org
(831) 226-2512
+–Corporate & foundation grants
Invite us to apply for funding through your business or family foundation giving team. We’re always looking for new and meaningful ways to partner. Please reach out to:
Mer Stafford, Chief Impact Officer
mstafford@housingmatterssc.org
(831) 226-2512
+–Gifts of securities
Gifts of appreciated assets (stocks, mutual funds, EFTs) are a great way to contribute to Housing Matters. This type of contribution may also benefit you as a donor, since they provide potentially greater tax benefits than gifts of cash. For you convenience, Housing Matters has an established brokerage account to accept transfers of securities.
| Contact | Kaitlin King |
| Phone | (408) 645-2500 |
| DTC Number | 75 |
| Account Number | 61358284 |
| Broker Firm | LPL FINANCIAL |
| Attention | ACCOUNT TRANSFERS |
| Address | 4707 Executive Drive San Diego, CA 92121 |
Please let us know each time you donate a gift of securities by contacting:
Mer Stafford, Chief Impact Officer
mstafford@housingmatterssc.org
(831) 226-2512
+–Recurring donations
We rely on donations made weekly, monthly, quarterly, or yearly to ensure that Housing Matters has resources to serve families and individuals experiencing homelessness in Santa Cruz County. You can choose the frequency and amount for recurring donations when you donate online. You may also set up recurring donations by contacting:
Mer Stafford, Chief Impact Officer
mstafford@housingmatterssc.org
(831) 226-2512
Housing Matters is a not for profit 501(c)(3). All donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law. Tax ID #77-0126783.
in-kind donations
Thank you for your support, and for making a difference in our community! Our policy for accepting donated items has changed; please see below for information on how to contribute specific items.
items we accept
We will always accept donations of socks, underwear, and hygiene items (shampoo, soap, band-aids, toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, combs, etc.) Bedding can also be donated if prior arrangements are made.
Questions? Please call our front desk at (831) 458-6020. Thank you for your generous support!
our wish list
Browse our Amazon Wish List for donation ideas, and have those items shipped directly to our campus.
clothing donations
We don’t have the storage or sorting capacity to handle large quantities of donated clothing (except the items listed above). For that reason, we ask that you kindly bring any clothing donations to one of the following organizations:
Walnut Avenue Family and Women’s Center303 Walnut Ave. Santa Cruz, CA
Donations accepted 10:00am - 4:00pm, Mondays & Tuesdays
St. Francis Soup Kitchen205 Mora Street, Santa Cruz, CA
Donations accepted 8:00am - 2:00pm, Monday - Friday
Siena House Maternity Home108 High Street, Santa Cruz, CA
Maternity & baby clothes only
Donations accepted 10:30am - 2:00pm, Monday - Friday
Salvation Army812 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz, CA
Donations accepted 10:00am - 6:00pm, Monday - Saturday
Nueva Vista Community Resources711 E Cliff Dr. Santa Cruz, CA
Donations accepted 9:00am - 1:00pm & 2:00pm - 5:30pm
GoodwillDonations accepted during regular business hours.
204 Union St, Santa Cruz, CA
9:00am - 7:00pm, Monday - Saturday
10:00am - 6:00pm on Sundays
815 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz, CA
11:00am - 7:00pm, Monday - Saturday
10:00am - 6:00pm Sundays
Donation Center
1500 Mission St, Santa Cruz, CA
8:30am - 1:00pm & 1:30pm - 5:00pm
food donations
We have a wonderful partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank, which allows us to prepare meals that meet the specific nutritional requirements set by our funders. As such, we cannot accept individual food donations. If you’d like to donate food, please donate to one of the following organizations.
Holy Cross Food PantryPastoral House
210 High Street, Room 102, Santa Cruz, CA
Donations accepted 10:00am - 2:00pm, Wednesdays & Fridays
Accepted items: Tuna, canned meat, peanut butter, soup, beans, cereal, canned fruit and vegetables, whole grains, rice, pasta & oats. Please, no glass, perishable, expired, or opened items.
Please call 831-469-0631 before arriving.
St. Francis Soup Kitchen205 Mora Street, Santa Cruz, CA
Donations accepted 8:00am - 2:00pm, Monday - Friday.
Please call (831) 459-6712 before arriving.
Second Harvest Food Bank800 Ohlone Parkway, Watsonville, CA
Donations accepted 8:00am - 4:00pm, Monday - Friday
Accepted items: Tuna, canned meat, peanut butter, soup, beans, cereal, canned fruit and vegetables, whole grains, rice, pasta & oats. Please, no glass, perishable, expired, or opened items.