About Homeless services center
Homelessness is a growing problem in many cities across the United States, and Santa Cruz is no exception. The Homeless Services Center (HSC) in Santa Cruz, California, is an organization that aims to provide support and services to those who are experiencing homelessness. HSC's mission is to end homelessness in Santa Cruz County by providing housing solutions and supportive services.
Housing Matters in Santa Cruz uses the Housing First approach to resolve homelessness in our county. This means that they prioritize getting people into stable housing as quickly as possible, without requiring them to meet certain criteria or complete certain programs first. Once someone has a safe place to live, they can then work on addressing other issues that may have contributed to their homelessness.
One of the ways that HSC helps people find housing is through their emergency shelter program. The shelter provides a safe place for individuals and families who are experiencing homelessness while they work with case managers to find more permanent housing solutions. In addition, HSC offers transitional housing for those who need more time and support before moving into permanent housing.
Another important aspect of HSC's work is providing supportive services for those who are experiencing homelessness or have recently found stable housing. These services include case management, mental health counseling, substance abuse treatment referrals, job training and placement assistance, legal aid referrals, healthcare referrals and more.
Volunteers play an essential role at HSC by helping with everything from serving meals at the shelter to assisting with administrative tasks like data entry or fundraising events. Donations also help fund critical programs like emergency shelter beds or rental assistance for families transitioning out of homelessness.
In addition to their direct service work with individuals experiencing homelessness,Housing Matters also advocates for policy changes at the local level that will help prevent future instances of homelessnessthrough affordablehousing initiativesand other measures aimed at addressing systemic issues contributingto povertyand inequalityin our community.
Overall,Housing Mattersis doing importantworkto addresshomelessnessinSantaCruzCountybyprovidinghousing solutionsandsupportiveservicesforindividuals,families,andveteranswhoareexperiencinghomelessnessorat-riskofbecominghomeless.If you're interested in supporting this vital organization,you can volunteer your time,donate moneyor goods,and/oradvocateforpolicychangesatthelocallevelthatwillhelpendhomelessnessinourcommunityonceandforall!