When is the event, and what time does the event start?
The event will take place on Saturday, April 1, beginning at 10 am and lasting until approximately 2 pm.
Where is the event taking place?
Event attendees will gather at the corner of Cathcart and Cedar streets in downtown Santa Cruz. The rally will take place at the beginning of the event, followed by the March along Pacific Avenue to the Santa Cruz County building parking lot on Ocean Street.
Attendees can join in the festivities solely for the March or the festival — which features live music, food trucks, vendors and partner resource tables — at the county building. We encourage participants to join in for the full duration of the event, but welcome them to join in whenever they are able.
What partner groups are participating in the event?
The March will be a partnership event with coalition partners across Santa Cruz County, including Santa Cruz Community Health, Housing Santa Cruz County, Abode Services, Homeless Garden Project, Front Street Inc., Families in Transition, WINGS, Pajaro Valley Shelter Services, and many more to come.
Do I have to pay to participate in the event?
No, this is a free event.
Do I need to register for this event?
Registration is not required. However, to best assist our team in planning, you are welcome to register for this event via Eventbrite.
Additionally, our Eventbrite page will have an option to donate directly to underwrite the cost of the March. We are counting on your partnership to ensure that banners are waving, people are walking together, voices are heard, and commitment is shared in the fight to end homelessness.
What’s the route for the event?
The March and opening rally will begin at the corner of Cathcart and Cedar streets in downtown Santa Cruz. From there, attendees will March along Pacific Avenue to Water Street, and then end the March at the Santa Cruz County building parking lot off of Ocean Street for the festival.
The route is approximately 1 mile.
What’s the schedule for the day?
The timeline is as follows:
- 10 am: Rally begins at the corner of Cathcart and Cedar streets.
- 10:30 – 11:30 am: March begins, and will last approximately one hour. Attendees will march along Pacific Avenue in downtown Santa Cruz.
- 11:30 – 12 pm: March ends at the Santa Cruz County building
- 11:30 am – 2 pm: Festival grounds open at the Santa Cruz County building, open to the public and those who participated in the March.
Attendees interested in participating in the festival at the county office building can join in the festivities beginning at 11:30 am. The festival will include live performances, a maker’s market, food trucks and a resource fair showcasing our coalition partners.
Will there be snacks or drinks?
Merchandise, food and beverages will be available for purchase at the Santa Cruz County building parking lot.
Attendees may bring their own beverages and snacks as needed.
What items are prohibited at the march?
Alcoholic beverages are not permitted.
Are there bathrooms at the march?
Yes, there will be ADA accessible restrooms and handwashing stations.
Can I bring my dog, my bike and/or my stroller?
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed at the event.
Attendees can join the March with their bikes, scooters and strollers, while maintaining safe practices in the crowd amongst walkers.
Can I participate if I use a wheelchair or have mobility issues?
Yes, please! We invite all of our community members to participate in the March and festival to their comfort level.
The March will take place along sidewalks with space for those in need of wheelchair access, and the festival will have accessibility in mind for attendees. For further accommodations, please contact Amanda Harris Altice at marchinfo@housingmatterssc.org.
Are there opportunities for volunteering at the march?
Of course there are! We will need your help in making sure this event goes off without a hitch. To learn more about how you can help, contact Marsa Greenspan, Volunteer Program Manager, at mgreenspan@housingmatterssc.org or (831) 226-2486.
Where can I park?
There is no designated parking for this event. We encourage attendees to park throughout the downtown Santa Cruz area, and into the nearby areas without permit restrictions. Parking is available for those with ADA placards at the Santa Cruz County office building.
Further, we recommend attendees to carpool, use ride-sharing services, and walk or bike from other locations as needed to avoid traffic jams and delays.
Where can I park if I need ADA parking?
ADA parking is available in parking lots throughout the downtown Santa Cruz area, and at the Santa Cruz County building parking lot.
What’s the plan if it rains?
This event will take place rain or shine.
What are the COVID-19 precautions?
This will be based on current county guidelines. Masks are optional but recommended.
What if I have more questions?
Please send further questions to marchinfo@housingmatterssc.org.