send some joy!
You can brighten someone’s day, right now, from the comfort of your own home.
We have hundreds of clients without a home who receive their mail through our mailroom. Give the gift of connectivity and community to a person weathering the coronavirus crisis without a home.
Write a note, a letter, or make a colorful card. Make it sing with joy. You can share a favorite quote or a joke, or you can simply say hello. Keep it upbeat and heartfelt, and imagine the smiles you’ll inspire in the recipient!
get informed
One of the easiest ways to take action is to break through some of the myths surrounding homelessness. Homelessness can be an uncomfortable topic for many, and understanding the facts can help. It not only makes homelessness easier to discuss, but it also empowers you to form well informed opinions about proposed solutions. It can reduce stigma, which can make resources more accessible for those experiencing homelessness. While the pathway to becoming better informed can take many forms, we invite you to explore our Get Informed pages to get started.
participate in an event
Ready to do more than brushing up on your homelessness knowledge? Support the cause by attending an event! Come to a campus tour, attend a community workshop, or check out an art exhibit focusing on homelessness. Visit our Events page to learn more about what’s happening in our community now. And don’t forget to invite your friends!
volunteer
Join the Good Neighbor Network today! With brand-new volunteer opportunities, network members are making a direct impact in the lives of people experiencing homelessness in Santa Cruz County, while helping to promote equity, dignity, and compassion for all of our neighbors.
donate
When you donate to Housing Matters, you give our residents a safe, secure place to stay while they search for housing and employment. You ensure uninterrupted implementation of the Housing First model in all our programs — the most effective, cost efficient, sustainable and compassionate way to end homelessness. You provide the support for recently housed Housing Matters clients to retain their housing. There is no donation too big or small; last year our 1,267 donors collectively made nearly $1.2 million in contributions. Join them, and watch the effects of your donation ripple through your community.
why we need you
The work that we do would not be possible without our vibrant, caring community. Indeed, it is the support of our neighbors throughout Santa Cruz County — through thousands of volunteer hours and an ever-growing donor base — that allows our organization to help hundreds of individuals and families find permanent housing each year. California is one of the states with the highest rate of homelessness, and Santa Cruz is no exception.
We are always looking to expand resources and better serve each and every person experiencing homelessness. Through systems change and best practices, we work hard toward the vision that homelessness in Santa Cruz County should be rare, brief, and non-recurring. Indeed, we are resolving homelessness together. Join us in moving forward toward a healthier, more stable community for all residents, by learning how you can take action today.