After 33 years as the Homeless Services Center, this group changed its name to Housing Matters in September 2019. According to the Housing Matters website, “The new name reflects who we are today; we provide services to clients well beyond the walls of our campus.”
That campus has evolved into four emergency and transitional housing shelters for nearly 230 people, a medical clinic, and a 12-bed medical respite care facility. And on top of that, Housing Matters offers programs and services to help individuals and families find pathways into permanent housing.
There have been about 1,800 to 2,300 unhoused people in Santa Cruz County in recent years, and at least 1,000 people each year have found housing through city, county and nonprofit programs, according to county records.
Santa Cruz city leaders on Wednesday said 121 unhoused people moved into permanent housing in the city since 2022, and hundreds more were served by homeless service programs. They also renewed calls for more city money to address homelessness because millions in one-time funds are expected to run out in July.
Bank of America honored Housing Matters for work advancing economic mobility and building up underserved neighborhoods in Santa Cruz County.
Connecting With Community Groups in the Statewide Region
Statewide region community groups and nonprofits play a fundamental role in making this a safe and thriving place.
Consider getting involved by volunteering your time, donating money, or both. Above you can learn about what services Housing Matters provides to the community and easily volunteer, donate, register for services, or connect with them on social media. Visit the Statewide Region Community Groups directory to see a comprehensive list of organizations on all subjects that are relevant to creating a vibrant local community.
Housing Matters is listed under:
