Homeward Bound a biannual publication ■ spring 2013
A Brighter Future
Gratitude is an action word: it’s not what you are, it’s something you do,” says Jamie, single mom and former resident of Rebele Family Shelter. Watching her son being driven away Jamie found that visualizing what by Child Protective Services, Jamie she wanted her life to look like was was devastated. The only thing more great motivation; she would imagine important to her than whiskey was her son sitting at the table eating his her son. Having him snatched from lunch, she would see focus in his her opened Jamie’s eyes to what eyes, a trait Jamie wants dearly for was truly important and triggered a her son. “You have to visualize what motivation to clean up her life that you want. See yourself in a better couldn’t be stopped. situation. What do you want your soap to smell like? How do you want “Billy came from the clear blue sky the floor to feel under your bare feet? and saved me from myself,” Jamie What is on your bookshelf?” More says of her three-year-old son. than that, Jamie saw their future Ultimately, the worst time in her selves giving back, just like someone life turned out to be a blessing in Jamie, former resident of Rebele Family Shelter gave to them. disguise; Jamie realized that in order to get her son back, she needed to Jamie has returned to Rebele Family Jamie’s gratitude for a fresh start turn her life around. Shelter, this time as an intern, with her son is evident in everything encouraging parents on their road she does; from filling up her car Valerie Verdugo, a senior case to sobriety and shining as a beacon weekly with anybody that will attend manager at Rebele Family Shelter, to those finding themselves homeless a recovery program, to creating signs knew Jamie’s mother when she was and scared. Having celebrated two that serve as a reminder to just take homeless and seeking help from years of sobriety in January, Jamie it “One day at a time.” Rebele Family Homeless Services Center, so it was looks forward to what the future Shelter residents, volunteers, and staff only natural that having known holds. Aside from being a loving and alike are encouraged by the changes Valerie for so long, Jamie felt a sense full-time mother, attending a recovery Jamie made in her life, which serve of accountability to her. Valerie’s program daily, and her internship at as a reminder that the work done at patience and compassion gave Jamie RFS, Jamie studies human services at RFS truly changes lives. ■ the push she needed to find housing Cabrillo College and is interested in so that Billy could come home to her. supporting women in recovery.
Our Mission The Homeless Services Center is dedicated to the coordinated provision of services for homeless persons. The goal of the Homeless Services Center is to provide both emergency and transitional services that will enable our clients to achieve self-sufficiency. "Lightening Dragon" as drawn by RFS resident Alyssa, Age 7 Homeless Services Center Staff: From the Executive Director Monica Martinez, M.P.A., Executive Director (Ext. 2103) Shelley McKittrick, Director of Programs (Ext. 3110) Alyssa Willett, Finance Manager (Ext. 2104) oday there is an important dialogue Jessica Abramson, Development Manager (Ext. 2101) in our community about issues of homelessness and the related impacts Colleen Murphy, Operations Manager (Ext. 1104) T and responsibilities relating to those issues. Megan Carlson, Community Outreach Manager Many of these conversations revolve around (Ext. 1104) the perceived impact of homelessness on public Shannon Miller, Executive Assistant (Ext. 1112) safety, economic development, and open spaces. Mary Triulzi, Program Manager, Rebele Family Shelter Those leading these conversations are sharing (Ext. 1103) the message: Homelessness is a problem. Kris Younggren, Program Manager, Daytime Essential Services Center (Ext. 4112) There can be no disagreement with that truth. Sarah Peters, Program Manager, Page Smith In addition to the previously mentioned impact, Community House (Ext. 3111) homelessness is a costly public health issue. Valerie Verdugo, Senior Case Manager, Rebele Family Someone experiencing chronic homelessness Shelter (Ext. 1105) may access healthcare in the emergency room Kris Edin, Case Manager, Page Smith Community multiple times a month, stay in the hospital for House (Ext. 3108) days at a time, require dozens of ambulance Jeff Goodyear, Housing Support Specialist (Ext. 4102) rides, and be contacted by a law enforcement officer multiple times a day. These Tayler Paskal, Interim Volunteer Coordinator (Ext. 1102) unnecessary costs can add up to millions in public tax dollars for a single individ- ual. And even with these expensive interventions, someone experiencing chronic homelessness has a life expectancy of just 47 years. Board of Directors Homelessness is a problem. Officers: Claudia Brown, President While the community is searching for fixes, it is critically important that we all Marsha Shanle, Vice President help each other focus on approaches that are proven to solve the problem. Katherine Beiers, Secretary Luckily, those solutions are available and have been proven in many communities: Gloria Ploss, Treasurer We know that permanent supportive housing has been successful in decreasing Members: Emeritus: chronic homelessness across the nation, so we have accelerated this process locally by championing the 180/180 Initiative (see more on page 7). Antonio M. Rowland Rebele Harriet Deck Alarcon Theresa Silveira Linda Finch We know that providing a place of respite and recovery for a homeless individual John P. Dietz Sibley Simon Phil Grauberger upon discharge from the hospital can save millions in unnecessary healthcare Fran Guerrero Mark Trabing Paul Lee costs, so we are opening the county’s first Recuperative Care Center in late 2013. Colin Herrick Stuart Tripp Mike Marini We know that temporary family shelter, combined with an income savings plan, Jim King Lucas Willey Donna Maurillo is successful in keeping families whole, and increasing future housing stability, Chris Rebele Sally Williams Paul Pfotenhauer which is why the Rebele Family Shelter has been successful in connecting over 500 Robert Yonts homeless families with permanent housing since 2006. Homeward Bound Newsletter We also know what doesn’t work. Editor: Jessica Abramson Most simply: We know that services do not cause homelessness, therefore reducing Writers: Megan Carlson, Shannon Miller or eliminating services will not make homelessness go away. Rather, reducing ser- Designer: Marianne Wyllie, [email protected] vices increases the likelihood of health-related expense to the community and can lead to an increased risk of early mortality for an already vulnerable population. Address & CONTACT Information We need to focus on solutions that are smart and have lasting results. In order PO Box 1319 Santa Cruz, CA 95061 to truly address the issue of homelessness, we must work together across sectors, 115-B Coral St. Santa Cruz, CA 95060 ideologies and geographies to implement solutions that: www.scshelter.org Email addresses: [first initial & last name] @scshelter.org 1. Address the root causes of the problems in addition to meeting immediate needs 2. Identify and adopt evidence-based policies, strategies and programs that are HSC Nondiscrimination Policy cost-effective The Homeless Services Center does not 3. Produce measurable results toward short- and long-term goals identified by all discriminate against clients, volunteers, or sectors of the community employees who meet the eligibility guidelines 4. Ensure that all our community members are treated with equity, dignity and for any Homeless Services Center programs. respect. If you think you have been discriminated Homeless Services Center is committed to these principles. As the community dia- against, please contact the Executive Director logue on homeless services continues, we hope you will stand with us in calling at 831.458.6020 (Ext. 2103). on our public officials to commit to the same principles. Together, we can improve our community and decrease homelessness at the same time.
Keep current with HSC! Join our Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/HomelessServicesCenter 2 Monica Martinez, Executive Director A Letter of Thanks
Dear Friends at Homeless Services Center, Two months ago I found myself on the streets, without a home, and a friend told me about your Winter Shelter at the Armory as the weather turned cold and I had nowhere to go. Kris Younggren, the Program Manager of the Daytime Essential Services Center at HSC helped me get my name on the waiting list for the Paul Lee Loft emergency shelter and I, somewhat hesitantly, became a resident at the Loft. I never thought of myself as a “homeless guy.” I was happily married and working as a painting contractor until the housing market crashed a few years ago. Work really slowed down and I couldn’t pay the mortgage on my house. The dream my wife and I had of opening a Christian camp never came true. I was going to be the builder and she was going to be the chef. I had always been a good provider and I had really lost a lot so I became bitter — mad at myself and mad at the world. After bankruptcy and a divorce, I tried staying with friends to regroup but fell into a depression and started drinking too much. At some point, I realized most of what I was upset about was just material things. In my younger years, I had worked in a detox center for youth, so tried to apply to myself what I used to impress on the teens — don’t be judgmental, be kind, and be humble — stuff like that. My time at Homeless Services Center helped re-focus my energy. I had a mission to get on my feet again, give back to the people that helped me, and enjoy the beauty. Homeless Services Center connected me to Veterans Affairs and to Shoreline Workforce Development Services, which was right down the street. I created a resume and kept on my mission to find a good job. HSC helped me obtain a few hand-me-down shirts, a jacket, and a pair of pants, plus access to showers and a washer/dryer. After three interviews with New Leaf and a conversation with a couple of guys who are also Veterans that I randomly ran into at the bus station, I all of the sudden have this really great new job and a room to rent in Santa Cruz. I am thankful every day for the beauty of the ocean, my job, and the help that got me out of a situation so that I don’t have to be that “homeless guy” anymore. I thought if you need more volunteers that I could come back to HSC and say: ‘Remember me? I did it. I kept strong and it wasn’t easy.’ It’s really hard, and it’s not over yet but I thank God every day and I want to help others get through it if they’re motivated and need a little help.
Sincerely, Larry
I am thankful every day for the beauty of the ocean, my job, and the help that got me out of a situation so that I don’t have to be that ‘homeless guy’ anymore.”
3 Homeless Services Center Contributors
We are privileged to thank our generous donors, without Dasher Technologies, Inc. Sibley & Nina Simon whom this important community work would not be possible. Robert & Diana Deacon Ruth Smith The following donors made monetary contributions between Eckhardt Chandler Fund at Woutje Swets September 15, 2012 and February 28, 2013. If your name Community Foundation System Studies Incorporated is missing and you made a donation during this time Santa Cruz County The Sanctuary Fund at Allyson & Robert Evans period, please accept our sincere apology. Please call the Community Foundation J. Ronald & Jackie Fisher Development Office at 458-6020 ext. 2101, and we will be Santa Cruz County Donald Foster, DDS Jim Thompson sure to include your name in our next newsletter. Gartner, Inc. Trinity Presbyterian Church Special Thanks to our Gifts of $5,000 – $9,999 Peter Gelblum & Valley Churches United Michele Estrin-Gelblum Dille - Walvis Charitable Fund Pillars of Support: Anonymous (2) Stephen & Leah Belair Peter & Jean Gergen Wells Fargo Bank Ohio Foundation The Episcopal Church Jim & Catharine Gill Tanya Wendling of St. John the Baptist Nancy & Herbert Greenfield Ashley Winn & Jane Grady Tim & Pam Humphreys William Haerle & Susan Bradshaw Dorothy Wise Terry LaPorte Joseph & Edyth Henderson Mark Woods Mary & George Zimmerman Patti & Brian Herman David Yule Foundation Hiram Lodge No. 11 Kelvin & Maria Nesheim Carolyn Hyatt Gifts of $500 – $999 United Way of Santa Cruz County The Ronald & Linda Israel Fund Marjorie Albright Tom & Kristin Whitwam Mary James & George Cook Ron & Christine Barrington Joe and Chris Brady’s Yacht Club Gifts of $1,000 – $4,999 David Kaun & Abigail Kaun Fund Geoff & Patria Brown Ralph Alpert at Community Foundation Gerald & Terry Byrne Ernestine & Lowell Anderson Santa Cruz County Jean Calvert Anonymous (3) Peter & Penelope Kenez Christine Carey Applewood Fund at Community Charles & Jacque Kessinger Tim Carl & Joan Bosworth Foundation Santa Cruz County Paul & Charlene Lee Fred & Kate Chen Sharon Barrett Norman & Mary Kate Lezin Christ Lutheran Church William & Patricia Barton Kevin Lohman & Natasha Flechsig Gerald & Bonnie Christensen Jack Baskin & Michael Matthews & Ceil Cirillo Peggy Downes-Baskin Erica DeGarmo Lin Florinda Colavin Benedum Family Charitable Trust Bruce & Penelope McGuire Dorotha Davenport Carol & Paul Berman Amy & Kevin McKeever Harriet & John Deck Keith & Della McKenzie Joan Delfino Gifts of $10,000+ Raoul & Celesta Birnbaum Mary & Harry Blanchard Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church Maggie Dickson Bright Horizon Fund Jack Bradley & Cathy Richards Edwin & Linda Musselwhite Madeline Fjelstad Dale O’Rourke Trust Sue & Mike Brandy George Newell Harry Fox The David & Lucile Packard Claudia Brown & David Evans Linda & Bruce Nicholson Robert & Kathleen Genco Foundation Vivian & Michael Brown Harvey & Judy Nickelson Paul & Maia Gendreau Dignity Health John & Linda Burroughs Elizabeth & William Nowicki Georgiana Bruce Kirby Esther Levandoski, the Toole Fund Bruce Canepa Peter & Mary Ann Orr Preparatory School Rowland & Patricia Rebele Jay Capela Joe & Gayle Ortiz Harley Goldberg Miles & Rosanne Reiter Cartwright, Scruggs, Fulton & Joan Osborne Jamie Goldstein Richard & Mary Solari Charitable Walther George Ow, Jr. & Robert Goldstein Trust Charles S. & Zena A. Scimeca Gail Michaelis-Ow Marc & Laura Grossman SunRidge Farms Charitable Fund at the Boston Pedrazzini Private Charitable Frances Guerrero & Carol & Steve Spragens Foundation Foundation Eugene Moriarty Austin Comstock Paul & Jean Pfotenhauer Frank Halasz Donald & Diane Cooley Porter Sesnon Foundation Carl Haverl & Susanna Blackwell Rita & Peter Prindle Robert Jensen Symbol Definitions: B. Austin & Roberta Pruitt La Selva Beach Community Ann Ramer Church HSC Board of Directors Bob & Edie Rittenhouse Sally Lahaye Robert Stephens Nonendowed Larse Farms/ HSC Employees Donor-Advised Fund at Sweet Darling Sales, Inc. Community Foundation Eliza Linley & David Richardson Members, Helping Hands Monthly Giving Club Santa Cruz County Lynn Marcus-Wyner Can you support HSC with a monthly gift? Lloyd & Sue Robinson Virginia & David McGuire Jeff & Deborah Roisman Messiah Lutheran Church Sign up for recurring monthly donations at Pamela & Nello Santacroce Peter & Betty Michelozzi www.scshelter.org Celia & Peter Scott Sheila & Jim Moser Marsha B. Shanle Nicolas Moss Rosa & Roland Sharp 4 Colleen Murphy & Maria Cecilia Freeman & Lee Slaff E. Tracy Cole & Jon Jiles Monica Grant Donald Larkin Marshall & Karen Sylvan Mary Jane & David Cope Amy Newell Geolex, Inc. Vanessa Tollefson & Randy Bevis Myles & Pat Corcoran Paul & Antje Newhagen Robert Goff & Eleanor Littman Jeffrey Tucker Margy Cottle Foundation at Silicon Valley Beverly & Angelo Grova Nick & Debra Van Bruggen Barbara & Walter Crafford Community Foundation Holly Hoeksema Grace & William Vannerus Linda & Tim Craighead James Newman & Edward & Kathleen Howe James & Pat Weber Dorothy Creely Margaret Collins Kent & Judith Marie Imai Robert & Bonda White James Crelan & Roberta Valdez Natalie Oliver Crossover Sound Waves William & Joanne Wigginton Joseph Culver Earleen Overend & Wayne Palmer Incorporated Lloyd & Bonnie Williams Albert & Linda Da Valle Rebecca Peters Jury Room Sally Williams Karen Darocy James Petersen M. Joshua Karter Tony Dean & Donna Murray Kristin Pfotenhauer Jane Keeffe Gifts of $100 – $249 Lucille Des Jardins Redwood Nonviolence William Kelsay & Nancy Abbey Brigitte Desouches Community Claire Biancalana Ronald Albright & Barbara Todd Mary & Mark Dettle John & Michelle Robinson Bob & Aud Kennedy Mark Alexander Millie Dibona Judy & James Russell Jim & Sharon King Roger Anderson & Myrna Britton John Dietz Peter & Jane Salm Ann & Bert Lane Leslie & Richard Andrews Margaret Dilfer Santa Cruz Rotary Foundation David Lavorando & Rosa Montoya Anonymous (7) Divinitree Yoga & Arts Studio Life William & Barbara Scherer Carolyn Leone Ruth & Ernest Antolini Diane & Richard Doubrava Thomas Shanle Linda Larkin Fund at Community Carolyn Atkinson Susan Douglass Dieter & Jennifer Siegmund Foundation Santa Cruz County Sharon Banks Teresa & Roger Douglass Cosette Thal Loma Prieta Club June & Steve Barber Allan & Margaret Dow Gerard & Barbara Van Hoven Scott Longwell & Robin Barbara & Don Bargiacchi Joshua Drews Tim & Linda Wadley Morrisette John & Susan Barisone J. David & Jo Anne Duncan Joseph Wampler Angela Marie Charles & Beverly Barnes Gladys Dunlap Ron & Linda Weaver Peggy Marketello Lenora Barnett Joan & Bill Dunn Yvonne Zannis Timothy McCormick & Glenn Bartz Yolanda & Chris Dybdahl Noel De Gelleke Elizabeth & Thomas Bastasch Kenneth & Kathleen Escobar Gifts of $250 – $499 Tom & Hope McKinney Linda Beaston Jennifer Eskenazi Lynne & Stan Abraham Jacob & Hila Michaelsen David Beck & Judy Gonzalez Robert John Fernando & Albert Agresti Doug Michels Barbara Beerstein & Thamara Kaushalee Michael & Toby Alexander Larry Millsap George Badger Vincent & Diane Ferraiuolo Anonymous (3) J. Casey Moore Katherine Beiers Carolyn Fetler Chris Arranaga Bill & Gail Mowatt Lawrence & Carole Birndorf Nancy Fitch Yong Bai National Nine Motel Patricia & Sarah Blanchette Christina Floyd J & Kathleen Becker Lieu & Kim-Dung Laurel & Reverend Robert Blaney Lawrence Ford Len Beyea Rebecca Niven Frank Blom & Denise Nickerson Robert & Mary Ann Franson Steven & Mary Bignell Donald & Irene Osterbrock Douglas & Mary Bolton Lesley Franz Kenneth Bloome, MD Meredith O’Sullivan Wasson & Diane Bouchet & Richard Roullard Joan & William Friedland Barry & Emma Jean Bowman John-Keith Wasson Peter Boyce Debra & Larry Gable Marvin & Marilyn Brenner Martina & Will O’Sullivan Elisa Breton Kaitilin Gaffney Chad Brown John Pecoraro Diane Bridgeman, Ph.D Marta Gaines Gary & Kay Brown Rock Pfotenhauer & Roberta Bristol Robin Gaither Kimmel & Julie Bryant-Fudge Linda Wilshusen Enid & James Brock Robert & Mary Garon Susan & Peter Canepa Richard & Robin Polse Eva Bronson Gareth & Julie Gill Daniel Cartagena Ann Carney Pomper Neil & Eileen Brown Robert Goulet Darryl & Julie Chagi Alan Richards Owen Brown Great Clips For Hair Mary Jane & Gordon Chambers Dorothy Ruby Deborah Bulger Richard Griffith & Margaret Collins Carole Rucker McPherson George & Megan Bunch Margaret Perham Diane Crawford Robert Rudolph Jessie Bunker-Maxwell Keith Gudger & Karen Scott Douglass & Hannah Crocker Florence Schremp Christine Bunting & Winifred & John Guthrie Provost Faye Crosby GP Schulz Donor Advised Fund at Richard Wohlfeiler Jan Davis-Hadley Genie Dee & Ronald Morin Community Foundation Santa Lisa Burgstrom CF & Linda Hall Michael & Nemesia Devery Cruz County Ann & Peggy Butler Penny Hanna & Slim Heilpern Charles Eldridge,III, M.D. & Eric Scoredos Meg & Pete Campbell Hanson Family Partnership Sandra Eldridge James Sedlacek Phillip & Katrina Carr Harry Hanson Leah & Necdet Erez Priscilla Shaw William Cassilly Joan Harbison Tom Evenson Stephen & Catherine Shender Claire Castagna & Robert Hatcher Ian Hardcastle Linda & Patrick Finch Kris Sidman-Gale & Carl & Anne Marie Christensen Stephanie Harlan Rosaline Fitzpatrick Jacob Sidman James Clifford & Judith Aissen Rosalind & Harold Hastings Renelde Flatte Pauline & Jay Siedenburg Madeleine Clyde Bonny Hawley Sylvia P. Forsyth Lance Sims Robert & Singne Coe Debra Heavens Skyland Community Church Elena Cohen Howard Heevner 5 Our Donors
Edelgard Heine Audrey & Joel Martinez Linda Sirois Bruce Ashley & Mary Kay Bill Heiss Judith & Charles Martin-Hoyt Susan Bertken Slinger Charles Atkinson George & Patricia Henderson Michael Mason Anthony & Debra Sloss Lorraine Azevedo Rebecca & Jack Hess Herman Judith Masters Jeffrey Smedberg Mary Sue Babb & Jessica Sharp Rosalyn & Donald Hilbert Melanie Mayer Rodney & Carolyn Smith Lisa Babbitz Susan Hillyard Richard & Claire Mc Adams Marcus Smolanovich James Baker Margo Hober Leah McKin James & Linda Snook Patricia Baltus Nancy & Robert Holleran Rebecca McNiven Alexandra Joyet Snyder Joseph & Jeanne Barilati Homeless Garden Project Mary Michael McTeague & Peter & Mary Lou Sorensen Wendy Baron Ingrid & Dennis Hostetter Craig Wilson Elke & John Spires Nicholas & Lenora Barthel John & Karen Huffman Michael & Joan Mellon Peter Spofford & Lou Ann Linford Mary Barton George & Susan Hurley Michael Merrithew Jack & Mary Stagnaro Mary Blair Bashford & Brian Hill Michael & Greta Hutchison Harold & Margaret Merritt Shirley Stewart Linda & Robert Bates Luis & Charlotte Icaza Kathryn Metz L. Storer Ashwin & Shanta Batish Mary Ellen Irons Jeremy Milbank Patricia & Niels Sundermeyer Ronald & Vickie Beck Stephen Jacobs & Maxine Howard Joel & Christina Miller Aine Sweeney Jeanne E Bell Bonita John Kathleen Millikin Catherine Sweeney Nan & Elsie Beltram Gertie Johnson Dean & Charlene Mimmack Terry Teitelbaum Hayne Bendick Glenn Johnson Nada & Dave Misunas Dale Thurston Valerie Bengal David & Martha Jones Jennifer & Arch Mott Fred & Jan Tomlinson Julie & Thomas Bepler Jean Jot Marin Muller Veronica Tonay Susan & John Beran Journeyworks Publishing Frank Mullin Carol & James Toney Salvatore & Constance Bertuca Joseph Jurnecka Barbara Murray Wally & Lois Trabing David & Dorothy Blank Elaine & Franklin Kamian Thomas & Emily Nawalinski Leslie Tremaine Safiya Bonaventura Janette Karwin Jackie & John Nelson Beth & Troy Trenchard Nina Bouley Jeanette & Klaus Katzlberger Harvey & Kathleen Newman Michael & Katherine Trent Maryellen Boyle Rich Keith & Henry B. Niles, III Trinity Lutheran Church Sally Brennan Donna Reyerson-Keith Larry & Carolyn Olsen Dennis & Jane Uyematsu Charlotte & Dale Bridenbaugh William & Adriana Kell Jane Orbuch & Bryan Lockel Papaya Van Dyke & Mark Roberta Bromberger David Kibrick Robert Orrizzi Aspromonte Marian & Kyle Brown Robert & Michele Kibrick Ronald Parrish Ellen Wagman Janet Bumgarner Elaine Kihara & David Sweet Ana Maria Pena & Iraj Hakimelahy Catherine Kay & Kenneth Ted Burke & Julie Scurfield Thomas & Adele Kimple David Perie & Waldvogel Patricia Burns Wendy King & Joel Isaacson Celeste Faraola Perie Susan & Michael Warren Clifford & Alice Busenhart Betsy Knepper Elizabeth & Thomas Phair Christine Watson Wilma & Charles Caldwell Robert & Rosalie Kraft Gloria & Norman Ploss Michael & Priscilla Watson Candace Calsoyas Russell Krebs Lilly Ann Popken Linda Werner & Charlie McDowell Louis & Nancy Calvisi Robert & Patricia Kress Gordon & Teresa Pusser Dee Weybright Ted & Joan Carl Don Lane & Mary Howe Mary Ratcliff Boone & Melinda White Lois & Norman Carle Glen Langdon, Jr. & Greg Reeth Whitenwife Publications Catherine Carlstroem & Marion Langdon Marcia & Robert Rider Paul Whitworth & Kate Hawley Francis Gravier Mary & Steven Larson John Roberts John Wiechman & Anthony Carney Arnold Leff Earl & Joan Rosebraugh Patricia Emard Peter & Helen Carr Thomas & Sandy Lehmkuhl Wolfgang Rosenberg & Lucas & Sally Willey Dede Carroll Joel Leivick & Terry Hogan Norma Delgaudio Thomas & Connie Wilson Cynthia Chace & Marc Blumberg Val Leoffler & Doug Hellinger Diane Russell Wade Wingo Leon & Jeanne Chaikin Florence & Keith Lesar John Ryan Richard & Nicci Winner Diane Chaney Morton & Elaine Levine Nosrat Samadi Jon & Jill Winston Mark Chetkovich Dianna Ligon Beverly & Jack Samuelson Jonathan & Susan Wittwer Constance Chin & Daniel Linger & Karen Sanguinetti Bonnie & Joseph Wolf Magdalena Zschokke Mary Lynn Simons William & Susan Schlick Helene Woolsey William Clark Rabbi Richard Litvak & Herb & Grace Schmidt Gwen Yeo Hazel Cleveland Nancy Statman Litvak Paul Schmidt Stephen Zunes & Nanlouise Wolfe Steve Cogliati Lucy Logsdon Mary Selby Eugene & Kay Coleman Benjamin & Ilse Lopes Davida Seliger Gifts of $1 – $99 Cindy Convisser Rodney & Rachel Lowe Sean Seman DNA & Jessica Abramson Don Coolman Joan Lukan Lynette Sevilla Craig Anderson Linda Copeland John & Claude Madden Susan Shane Oscar Andrade Michael & Marlene Corder Linda Malloch Geraldine & Frank Shelley Kathleen Andrews Marie Coyle Susan & Marc Mangel Nikki Silva Anonymous (10) Joseph & Nancy Craig John S Martel Eli Silver & Martha Ellis Jordan Arthur Anton Susan Crovo Joan Martin Nirvikar Singh & Inderjit Kaur Velma Arlidge Bud & Martina Cummings Laura & Sajid Martin Christine Sippl Robin & Neal Aronson Susan & Joseph Curtis
6 continues on page 10 Smart Solutions to Homelessness
t is often said that great big things happen when Business Leaders Task Force on Homelessness, addressed people get together. On December 1, 2012, a great the issues and highlighted the cost-saving benefits associ- big thing did happen in Santa Cruz when over 250 ated with permanent supportive housing while offering Ipeople gathered at Cabrillo College to discuss the insight into how other communities have embraced this challenging topic of homelessness. Called the Smart model. Solutions to Homelessness Summit, Santa Cruz County Throughout the day, small group participation allowed residents from diverse backgrounds — faith-based, local for grounded interaction and engagement with others. government entities, law enforcement, business leaders, Ideas were shared between summit participants during social service providers, as well break-out sessions when people as people experiencing homeless- were asked various questions to ness — congregated to learn about Community members have promote thoughtful dialogue. Feed- homelessness and its impacts on been asked to act and adopt back and personal commitment our community. This summit was forms were filled out in order to a far cry from simply an infor- concrete, evidence-based provide tangible action steps fol- mation session on homelessness. solutions to prevent and end lowing the summit. Instead, the day offered a starting chronic homelessness. point for what has become a larger The objective of the summit was community engagement with issues clear: create a community-wide surrounding homelessness. Com- understanding and response to munity members have been chal- homelessness with an emphasis lenged to think thoroughly about on action. This goal was achieved homelessness and, most impor- when 250 participants of the sum- tantly, have been asked to act and mit moved from passive attendees adopt concrete, evidence-based to active participants by commit- solutions to prevent and end chronic ting to ongoing, cohesive efforts homelessness. to address homelessness. Since the Speakers at the summit, includ- summit, a leadership council has ing Don Lane, Monica Martinez, been created in order to implement Christine Sippl, and Mary Lou the ideas from the Smart Solutions Goeke, shared statistics about peo- A glimpse of the 250+ attendees as captured Summit. It is through this type of ple experiencing homelessness and by photographer Michael Curry social learning and interaction that a video featured people’s personal we as a community gain practical experience with homelessness and how it has affected knowledge of how to solve our most their lives. The keynote speaker, Jerry Neuman, a Los pressing problems. Indeed, great things are happening Angeles-based attorney and the chair of the Los Angeles when we as a Santa Cruz community come together. ■
180/180 Update Homeless Services Center is a champion of 180/180, our community- wide effort to house 180 of the most vulnerable chronically homeless men and women by July 2014. Here is an update as of March 20, 2013: Housed = 27 Surveyed = 521 Vulnerable = 301 Volunteers = 100+ Community Agencies involved: 50 Additionally, 180/180 is the proud recipient of the 2012 award through the Good Times Community Fund at CFSCC and the 2013 United Way Advocate Organization of the Year Award To get involved, check out www.180SantaCruz.org
7 Homeless Services Center Campus Map
If you haven’t visited the HSC Campus yet, here is your virtual tour. Let’s Get Acquainted! For a hands-on, real-life tour, call 458-6020 x2101 to make an appointment.
Coral Street
Coral Street / Entrance Exit to 9 Coral St. Homeless HSC nistrative Persons Admi fices Health Of Project
State Route 9 “I believe I was put here for service, Daytime Essential and every day that I give of myself, I Services Center feel enriched in spirit. Right now, I’m glowing,” says HSC Housing Specialist ebele Daytime Essential Services Center is Charles Bronner working with a R In-Kind Donation Family g Hall where homeless individuals first get participant on a housing application. Dinin Drop Off Shelter connected to HSC staff and services & Kitchen (9AM–2PM, preferred) that will empower them to achieve Mail Room Access self-sufficiency. Pedestrian Visitor Parking River St. Clothing To Closet
River Street 2nd Floor: Shelter Empowerment Center PathLab
RSS/HSC Garden Hygiene Bay
2nd Floor: Paul Lee Loft
Did you know the volunteer-run computer lab at HSC Empowerment Center is open five days a week to help participants with job and housing searches? 1
Page Smith CommunityAdmin. House
Future home of the Recuperative
Care CenterPage andSmith the Community soon-to-be Housesrenovated
“I’ve grown leaps and bounds in the last year. Living at Page Smith has allowed me to pursue coursework in EMT training. It’s still River Street 1 not easy living here in a shared space, with work and school, but it’s a heck of a lot better than outside.” ~PSCH Resident Dave G. 8 Homeless Persons Health Project is a collaborative partner of HSC’s upcoming Recuperative Care Coral Street Center, set to break ground in 2013 with 12 beds and on-site medical Coral Street care for homeless patients being / discharged from local hospitals. Entrance Exit to 9 Coral St. Homeless HSC nistrative Persons Admi fices Health Of Project
State Route 9 Daytime Essential Services Center
Rebele In-Kind Donation Family g Hall Dinin Drop Off Shelter & Kitchen (9AM–2PM, preferred) Mail Room Access Pedestrian Visitor Parking River St. Clothing To Closet
River Street Did you know there are 55 children under the age of 2nd Floor: Shelter 15-years old presently living at Rebele Family Shelter, Empowerment Center a six-month emergency shelter for families with PathLab children ages 0 – 18?
RSS/HSC Garden Hygiene Bay
2nd Floor: Paul Lee Loft
1
Page Smith CommunityAdmin. House
River Street Shelter is operated by Future home of the Recuperative Santa Cruz Community Counseling Care CenterPage andSmith the Community soon-to-be Housesrenovated Center on the same campus as HSC and provides a 32-bed emergency shelter for homeless men and women beginning or continuing the process of rebuilding their lives, maintaining sobriety, and re-connecting with the community.
River Street
1
9 Our Donors
Gifts of $1 – $99 cont’d. Linda & Stephen Foltz Jaxson Huckle Cathleen & Victor Manovi Wallace Dale Judith Fried & Robert Scowcroft Bonnie & Daniel Hudson Jacalin Marchese Nancy Damsen Charles & Virginia Fritz Lilli Hunter Marcia Margolin Charles & Grace Daniel Carol & Robert Furgurson Joni Marie Hyerle & Gary Milburn Baldo & Kristen Marinovic Teresa Darling Marjorie Gaines Sidney Irving Gordon & Joann Martin Sherrie De Witt The Garden Company Shirley & Martin Jackson Melissa Matlow Douglas & Diane Deaver Sylvia Gerbl & Betsey Blake Anne Jacques Mary Jo May Edward & Katherine Deutschman Mary Geyer C.L. Jernstrom, M.D. Paula Maziar Marlene Diane Dan & Lee Gilbert Jack & Judith Johnson Madelyn McCaul Ronald Dillehay Bernice & William Giussi Michael Kane Don & Yvonne McClish Lisa & J. Dilles Susan & Alan Goldstein S. Paul & Nancy Kashap Laury McInerney Mary & Jim Doherty GoodSearch Diane Kaye Philip McManus & Eileen Donnelly Andria Gordon Carol Kent Betsy Fairbanks Jim & Barbara Duggan Jean Grabost Stephen Kessler & Carol McQuillin Patty Durkee Nancy Graff Daniela Hurezanu Donaldine McRae Beth Dyer Jane Gregorius Kidz Backpack Project Marianne Mejia Allan Dyson Karen Groppi Edward Klein Donna Mekis Robert & Anne Easley Diane & Howard Grunes Joan Kloehn Catherine & John Melendy Sharon & Charles Easterly Anna Guagnini Nancy Krantz Mike Melville Steven Charles Edwards Diane Gunter Michael & Carol Laflin Lisa Metelman & Mark Alvis Helen Eidemiller Joseph & Mary Hammer Jeanne Lance & David Fleming N. Leanne Meyer Joannie Engelhardt Stanley & Joan Hanusiak Gladys Jeannie & Stephen Land Andy Miller & Sybil Hudson Grant Erickson Rob & Loretta Hardesty Lois Lansing Nancy Millslagle Larry & Elizabeth Ernst Meg & Don Harlor Paul Lapidus & Lindasue Marshall Joan Mock Robbie Evans Robert Harrison Don Leatherman Louise Mockus Judy & Stephen Everett Chiu Ming Hay John Leih Helene Moglen Virginia Ezell & Ronald Bingham Aukjen Herrick William Leland Deborah Molina David Fagan & Amalia Deck Nita Hertel Robley Levy Robert & Elaine Monaco David Fairchild & Clea Kore Patricia Herzog Benjamin & Lisa Lewis Phillip & Linda Monk Mahmoud & Mary Farahbakhsh Kathryn Het Charlotte Lewis Senator Bill Monning & Sandra Farrell Diane & John Hickok John Lingemann Dr. Dana Kent Farnaz Fatemi & Paul Skenazy Lou & Joanna Hildebrandt Patty & Albert Locatelli Gilbert & Gayle Montalvo Kathy & Bill Findley Chuck & Kathleen Hilger Steve Lustgarden Gordon & Betty Moore Foundation Jerry & Jan Finney Mary Hinchliff Jonathan & Suzanne Mace John & Julie Morley Korrine & Terry Fitz Vera Hope Suzette Macmillen Richard & Cindy Morley Diana King Fleming & Shirin Hostetter Sheila Malone Eileen Morrissey Kellogg Fleming G.H. & Elizabeth Hoxie Martha Mangan James Mulherin
HSC provides high quality, compassionate, professional services to people who have nowhere else to turn. They help them get their lives back on track to become productive, self- sufficient members of society. For homeless families with small children, they provide a safe and nurturing environment so the parents can focus on job search and finding permanent housing while the children are loved and cared for by kind volunteers and staff.” ~Mary Lou Goeke Executive Director, United Way of Santa Cruz County
10 Robert & Catherine Murphy Diane Sintich Ken Cole Michael & Rosemary Sarka George & Cecilia Myers Ken & Bertine Slosberg Mark Dettle Kris Sidman-Gale & Judith Nettles Kirstin Smith John Forte Jacob Sidman Christine & Steve O’Donnell Margaret Smith Robert Gascoyne Silke Johanne Offen Peg Smith Monica Martinez & Maren Sinclair-Hurn Ann Ogle Therese Smith Jennifer Mikkelson Ron Slack Kathryn & Phillip Olivier Jeffrey & Dora Solinas Shelley McKittrick Meris Walton Philip & Martha Oneto Greg & Tangie Solow Shannon Miller Roger Willenborg Cathy Oster Claire Sommargren Christopher Monteith Patricia & Brian Wood Jeremy Page Amira & Bill Spendlove Colleen Murphy & Nicole & Evan Yeaman Young Charles & Alison Parham Robert Stayton & Mary Tsalis Monica Grant Brian & Michelle Zucchi Sharon Parker Lois Steinberg Stephen Nelson Stephen Zunes & Nanlouise Wolfe Lora & Keith Parkhurst Phyllis Stevens & Christy Hague Jeanne O’Grady Anil & Minaxi Patel Ruth & Raf Strudley Tayler Paskal In-Kind Donations: Gary & Marilyn Patton Susan Stuart Kathy Pennell 491 Donors Chris Perrin & Russ Jordan Cecilia Sunden Gary Prochazka Special thanks to the Bruce Peterson Nancy Talley David Scalcini hundreds of individuals, local Pat Pimentel Betty Tambellini Christine Sippl businesses, churches, and Ann Pinkham Penny Taylor Liudmila Zimina community groups who donate Marian Plant Patricia Thomason Ronald Pomerantz & Jessie Thompson Good Times Fund in-kind goods such as food, Jane Weed-Pomerantz Wayne & Barbara Tierney Thank you to these donors who clothes, household items, Michael & Rosemarie Pozzi Dan & Trina Toussaint contributed to HSC through and hygiene products — as Thomas Purdy & Elizabeth Estelle & D.M. Turner the Good Times Fund at well as the individuals and Gentholts-Purdy Ruth Updegraff & Mark Hamersly Community Foundation Santa groups leading art and music Michael Pustelnik Andrea Van De Loo Cruz County during the sessions, empowerment Suzanne Rains Carol Vanausdal 2012 – 2013 holiday drive. workshops, bingo night, and Enrico Ramirez-Ruiz & Steve & Carri Wagner the many labors of love to Kristin Truse Chris Waldear Anonymous maintain and improve the HSC Ron & Heather Rasmussen Michael Walker Craig Arnold Craig Reinarman Bill & Patricia Warmerdam Stephen Belmont campus. Albert Rice Michael & Anne Watkins Janet Berry Weekly/Monthly Food Maureen & Al Richard Lynda Watson Paul & Mindi Broughton William & Pamela Richter Mareisa Weil Donna Cercel Partners Jerry & Joann Rinck Peter Weiss Raymond & Marcia Charland Dennis Adams, Acts of Love Carol Robertson Kathy & Barry Welch Janice Cockren Foundation Lois Robin Terence Welch Carolyn & Curt Coleman Dan Burns, Feed the Spirit Renee Robison & Kenny Welcher Josie & Charles Cowden Gayle’s Bakery & Rosticceria Thomas Waggoner West Marine Products Inc. Patricia Damron & Ben Harmon Robert Graham Helen Elizabeth Roeth Shanna & Chris Wheelock- Sylvia Diamico Grey Bears Dorothy & Hilding Ronning Crittenden Sharon Dirnberger Pacific Cookie Company Hans & Eleanor Rosenast Haig & Sienna White Kimberly East Second Harvest Mary Ross Alice Wilkerson Kimberly Ferm Trader Joe’s Nicholas & Ruth Royal Stanley & M. Joan Williams Korrine & Terry Fitz UCSC Farm Sophie Russell Renee Winter & Paul Roth Steven & Maryane Gabay Bob & Bonda White and Colleen Rutledge Jennifer Yeaney & William Lamb Michael Grall the Episcopal Church of Hasanna & Dane Ryan Sue & Darrell Yeaney Joseph & Edyth Henderson St. John the Baptist Joshua Salesin & Jane Yett Patricia Henderson Claire Schneeberger Sophia Young Christie Hogeland Public Sector Funding Lynn Sanders Jan & Margaret Ysselstein Joyce Carey LeClair California Dept. of Housing & Santa Cruz Institute #95 YLI Cheryl & William Zachmeier Judith Marks Community Development Alan Savat & Gene Smith Suzanne Ziegler Ginger & Matt McNally City of Capitola Holly & Mark Schipper Alice Mestemacher City of Santa Cruz Priscilla Schleich United Way Jeff Mitchell City of Scotts Valley Thomas & Brenda Schmida Rebele Family Shelter is Richard & Cindy Morley County of Santa Cruz U.S. Dept. of Housing & Urban Jane & Victor Schymeinsky honored to be a Partner Bill & Gail Mowatt Development Dougald Scott & Program of the United Way of Betsy Neaves Dale Owen Virginia Morgan Scott Santa Cruz County. Thank you Susan Seaburg & Judith Allen Jenny Panetta Donate to HSC online any time: to these donors who give to Sarah & Leon Serafim Ira & Kate Pohl Damon Shanle HSC through the United Way: Susan Renison Patricia Shea & Maria Zamudio DNA & Jessica Abramson Marilyn Robertson Lorna & M. & N. Shearer Anonymous Robbia Rohac & Steven Herbert Johnny Simmons Megan Carlson Scott & Jasmine Roseman 11 Our Donors
Thank you to these donors who gave a gift to HSC in honor or memory of a loved one. Anonymous (11) Robbie Evans Charles L & Jacque Kessinger Michelle & John Robinson Arthur Anton Jan & Jerry Finney Jeanne Lance & David Fleming Peter & Jane Salm Patricia Baltus Lawrence Ford Ann & Bert Lane Karen Sanguinetti Linda Beaston Maria Cecilia Freeman & William Leland Jane & Victor Schymeinsky Patricia & Sarah Blanchette Donald K Larkin Florence & Keith Lesar Damon Shanle Laurel & Rev. Robert Blaney Marjorie Gaines Lisa & Benjamin Lewis Kris Sidman-Gale & Jacob Sidman Maryellen Boyle Robin Gaither Eliza Linley & David Richardson Johnny S Simmons Roberta Bristol Richard Griffith & Rabbi Richard Litvak & Ruth Smith Enid & James Brock Margaret Perham Nancy Statman Litvak Marcus Smolanovich Chad Brown Karen Groppi Cathleen & Victor Manovi Jeffrey & Dora Solinas Gary L & Kay Brown Debra Heavens Lynn Marcus-Wyner Peter Spofford & Lou Ann Linford Marian & Kyle Brown Rosalyn & Donald Hilbert Peggy Marketello The Marie Spong Trust Christine Carey Margo Hober Carol McQuillin Phyllis Stevens & Christy Hague Daniel Cartagena Ingrid & Dennis Hostetter Jeremy Milbank Ruth & Raf H Strudley E. Tracy Cole & Jon Jiles Shirin Hostetter Senator Bill Monning & Leslie Tremaine Dasher Technologies, Inc. G.H. & Elizabeth F. Hoxie Dr. Dana Kent Grace & William Vannerus Sherrie De Witt Kent & Judith Marie Imai Judith Nettles Ellen Wagman Genie Dee & Ronald R Morin Sidney Irving Charles W & Alison D Parham Chris & Shanna Wheelock- Gladys Dunlap Thamara Kaushalee & Ana Pena & Iraj Hakimelahy Crittenden Jennifer Eskenazi Robert John Fernando Craig Reinarman Sophia Young Jerry & Joann Rinck Mark Your Calendars…
Feed Your Philanthropy Opportunities to Serve HSC Signature Fundraisers Community Spirit—cont’d. Dine at Denny’s Volunteer at Project Homeless The 14th Annual Soupline Human Race 15% donation to HSC Connect, a collaborative health Supper & Auction, a benefit for Be a “Champion for Children” First Thursday of every month and human services event HSC, includes soup tastings and walk for the Rebele Family 4 – 10pm that provides on-the-spot care from over 30 restaurants, Shelter in the Human Race. 4/4/2013 and referrals for individuals bread, dessert, a live jazz duo, Join HSC’s team or form 5/2/2013 experiencing homelessness. an overview of HSC programs, your own and gather pledges 6/6/2013 Tuesday, April 9 and a silent auction. to support the 55 children 1515 Ocean St, Santa Cruz Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium Thursday, April 25 currently residing at the shelter. www.phc-santacruz.org Cocoanut Grove, Santa Cruz Saturday, May 11 Hula’s Mahalo Mondays www.souplinesupper. www.humanracesc.org 10% donation to HSC Serve a meal, work the front wordpress.com Every Monday in June desk, provide administrative Music in May Join Rebele Family Shelter 4:30pm – closing and maintenance support, Professional violinist Rebecca for the 6th Annual Golf 6/3/2013 teach a class, or help with Jackson selected HSC to Tournament. Sponsor a hole, 6/10/2013 fundraising to support the benefit from this annual join as a golfer or marathon 6/17/2013 mission of Homeless Services chamber music festival; HSC golfer. Stay tuned or call 458- 6/24/2013 Center. Weekly tours and has a block of tickets for sale 6020 x2101 for more info. 221 Cathcart St., volunteer orientations at HSC. by calling 458-6020 x1112. Friday, October 4 Downtown Santa Cruz Ongoing Friday, May 17 DeLaveaga Golf Course www.hulastiki.com 115-B Coral St. Saturday, May 18 [email protected] Community Spirit www.musicinmay.org Mountain Mike’s Free Pizza Join HSC at Santa Cruz Get your coupon book valued Derby Girls’ bout #2 in the Trio Volare at $325 worth of savings, Give your two cents. new stadium and cheer on Join Polly Malan and her Download the GoodSearch including free pizzas, for only the Harbor Hellcats in their string trio at a chamber music toolbar for your browser $20 and HSC receives 100% support of the Rebele Family concert to benefit Rebele and every time you surf the of the profits; coupon books Shelter, the featured nonprofit. Family Shelter at the Episcopal net, HSC will earn a penny available at the Family Shelter Saturday, April 20 Church of St. John the Baptist (without you having to or by calling 458-6020 x1112. Kaiser Permanente Arena, in Aptos. spend a dime). Sunday, May 26 at 2pm Santa Cruz www.goodsearch.com [email protected] www.santacruzderbygirls.org 12 14th Annual Soupline Supper Event Sponsors
Tureen $10,000 + Cathy Miller Rock Pfotenhauer & Crouton $100– $149 Rowland & Pat Rebele Harvey J. & Judy Y. Nickelson Linda Wilshusen Laurie Bair & Paul Sherrill Santa Cruz County Bank Lloyd & Sue Robinson Lenora Barnett Soup Bowl $1,000 – $9,999 Richard & Jill Wilson SEIU Local 521 Sharon Barrett Julie & Peter Beckmann Yvonne Zannis & Demian Marsha Shanle Glenn Bartz Good Times Sherinian Rosa & Roland Sharp Alice Benet & Jon Kersey Patti & Brian Herman Jean Calvert David Kaun Ladle $250 – $499 Baguette $150 – $249 Sylvia P. Forsyth Terry LaPorte Geoff & Judy Alexander Carol Avenmarg Michael Fyfe & Heather Allen Esther Levandoski, Toole Fund Anonymous Myrna Britton & Roger Anderson Laura & Marc Grossman George Ow & Gail Michaelis-Ow Steven & Mary Bignell Family of Duane Burns David & Jackie Heald Santa Cruz Sentinel Branciforte Auto Repair Susan & Peter Canepa Glenn Johnson Sibley & Nina Simon Elisa Breton Janice Cockren Jeremy Lezin System Studies Team Giving The Flower Garden J. David & Jo Anne Duncan Rabbi Richard & Nancy Litvak Will & Catherine Forest Lesley Franz Senator Bill Monning & Soup Bone $500 – $999 Eloise Graham Marsha Frederick & Bill Lenth Dr. Dana Kent Harry & Mary Blanchard Fran Guerrero & Gene Moriarty Jacquy Griffith Jean & Paul Pfotenhauer Michael Brandy Bernie Issenman Lou & Joanna Hildebrandt Phair Properties Canepa Design Jeanette & Klaus Katzlberger Michael & Mary-Nona Hudson Frank & Geraldine Shelley Cowell College, UCSC Jeffree Lee Estate Planning & Tom & Sandy Lehmkuhl Janet Slay Erica Crawford Financial Services since 1978 Carolyn Leone & Robert Levering Woutje Swets Robert & Diana Deacon Dave & Virginia McGuire Andrew & Patricia Poulos Judge Ariadne "Ari" Symons John P Dietz Dania Moss Royce Scherf Katherine Welch Fred Keeley NoNette Schooner Realty Robert White La Selva Beach Community Irene Osterbrock Jack & Mary Stagnaro Ray Wolfe Church Palo Alto Medical Foundation Dr. Aine Sweeney Marianne Wyllie / Camp Thunder Norman & Mary Kate Lezin Santa Cruz Terry Teitelbaum Design Zunes-Wolfe Family
Purchase Your Soupline Supper Tickets NOW at souplinesupper.brownpapertickets.com Learn more at souplinesupper.wordpress.com
We believe in using our resources to help people who are disadvantaged. We support the Rebele Family Shelter because we care about what happens to people and want them to know they’re not lost. We believe everyone should have a place to sleep, a decent meal, and hope for the future.” ~Mary Solari
13 Spotlight on Local Churches Helping to End Homelessness Wings Like Eagles A ministry of Community Covenant Church, Wings is a group that meets monthly to extend the mission of Homeless Services Center, the 180/180 Initiative and Project Homeless Connect. Having to say “goodbye and good luck” to their new homeless friends after the first annual Project Homeless Connect in 2010, this feeling prompted the idea to form a startup ministry at Community Covenant Church in Scotts Valley. Now, throughout the year, over a dozen volunteers from the church each pair up with one homeless participant at a time to help them navigate through the maze of services available and help them find housing. Members of Wings have found the best way to advocate for a homeless participant is as simple as caring. Steady, unconditional emotional support instills confidence and ultimately shows participants they can, indeed, succeed on their own. Within the framework of 180/180 and the Vulnerability Index — Santa Cruz County’s grassroots initiative based on a national “housing first” model proven to save lives and public resources — one volunteer’s encouragement can make all the difference in helping a chronically homeless person make a 180 degree change in their life. Members from the Wings group will be guiding volunteers at Project Homeless Connect and have Big Mac, a formerly homeless man helped by Wings offered to mentor those who would like to extend their volunteer service beyond the one-day Project Homeless Community Covenant Church, Connect. Please contact [email protected] to Scotts Valley learn more about how you too can become a Housing Navigator. ■
From Hats to Homes: Putting Faith Into Action
The Episcopal Church of St. John Located in Capitola Village, “The the Baptist supports hands-on par- Shop” sells quality, gently used cloth- ticipation by parishioners in projects ST JOHN’S PHOTO ing and household items and gives the and endeavors that make a positive Forthcoming proceeds to local charitable organi- difference in our community. Parish- zations. HSC was recently awarded ioners collect and distribute food on a two-fold grant from The Shop to a monthly basis for people living in enhance the church’s current level of HSC’s Page Smith Community House giving (much needed warmth and sus- (PSCH). Hand-made blankets and tenance to people who are cold and hats are given to warm the heads and hungry) by supporting HSC programs hearts of men, women, and children that provide a pathway out of home- in need. In addition, St. John’s raised lessness. funds to help build the Rebele Fam- St. John’s granted $5,000 to HSC ily Shelter, and furnished two of the earlier this year to help build the family apartments. Furthermore, upcoming Recuperative Care Center what began over 50 years ago by the (RCC), a 12-bed outpatient facility for women of the church to raise money homeless patients being discharged for a new carpet, St. John’s Helpful from local hospitals. While at the Shop has grown to be a vital part RCC, participants are connected to of the church’s outreach program. Lesley, a St. John’s Volunteer at the Helpful Shop in Capitola Village 14 When a House of God Becomes a Home When asked why he and his congregation have been steadfast advocates for homeless men and women for many years, Pastor Stan Abraham of Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church says, “It’s a response to the Gospel. It’s God’s grace. We’re able to help, and they’re a blessing to us; it works both ways.” Ten years ago, when Pastor Abraham first allowed a few homeless men and women to stay on church property, the congregation wondered why don’t they just go out and get a job like everyone else? But they soon realized a lot of chronically ill and long-time homeless people are not really able to do that on their own. After giving them transitional housing support and then connecting them to resources to help stabilize them and pave the way to permanent housing—such as jobs, dental care, gas money to relocate — and in the case of Mt. Calvary, a solid foundation of faith, hope, and love—they were really able to help some chronically homeless individuals turn their lives around. “Giving someone an address — if they don’t feel like they have to fight the system, to defend themselves, always on the look-out for food and shelter — Larry, for example, immediately went out and got a driver’s license, auto insurance, started working legitimately, and saving his resources to get his family on a better path.” (They’re now living out of state on a farm and his daughter is learning to play the flute in her high school band.) When asked why others should support the mission of Homeless Services Center, Pastor Abraham encourages, “It’s really not much in terms of the larger picture, but in these people’s lives, it’s huge.” Pastor Stan Abraham, HSC is on a mission to end homelessness, one person at a time. We are Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church grateful to the numerous churches who have provided food and temporary shelter for many years — and we are proud to be a part of extending this work to focus on permanent housing solutions for those in need. ■ HSC is on a mission to end homelessness, one person at a time. a housing specialist with the goal of transitioning them into PSCH or We are grateful to the permanent supportive housing. Volunteers work alongside trained case numerous churches who managers to ensure the participants are connected to all the resources they need. have provided food and One of the keys to HSC participants’ success is the Client Assistance temporary shelter for Fund, to which St. John’s granted an additional $2,000 earlier this year. PSCH has used the grant frequently to obtain vital documents for resi- many years — and we dents eligible for the 180/180 prioritized Section 8 Housing Vouchers. are proud to be a part HSC’s Program Manager Sarah Peters says, “Having the grant available to provide our participants with birth certificates is absolutely critical of extending this work to moving through the process of getting people in houses. Recently, we were able to help a man — someone who has multiple sclerosis, uses a to focus on permanent wheelchair, and has been homeless for five years — to obtain a birth cer- housing solutions for tificate. We were then able to finish his Housing Authority application and he is well into the process of receiving his voucher and soon to have those in need. a ‘forever home’.” ■
15 NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION Homeless Services Center U.S.POSTAGE PO Box 1319 PAID SANTA CRUZ, CA Santa Cruz, CA 95061-1319 PERMIT NO. 361
Homeless Services Center is dedicated to sustaining people and the planet. This newsletter is printed on recycled paper.
Our Mission The Homeless Services Homeward Bound Center is dedicated to the coordinated provision of services for homeless persons. The goal of the Homeless Services Center is to provide both news from homeless services center emergency and transitional services that will enable spring 2013 our clients to achieve self-sufficiency.
Come taste the BEST soups and desserts from these favorite local restaurants: 99 Bottles of Beer Manuel’s Mexican Restaurant Purchase Your Aldo's Bakery Martinelli's Tickets NOW at souplinesupper. Aquarius Mrs. A’s Salsa Bueno Au Midi New Leaf brownpapertickets.com The Bagelry Pacific Cookie Company Beckmann’s Bakery Rosie McCann's Irish Pub & Bittersweet Bistro Restaurant Black China Bakery Saturn Cafe Cafe Cruz Sawasdee Chaminade Severino’s Restaurant Crow’s Nest Shadowbrook Erik’s DeliCafe Soif Gayle's Bakery Staff of Life Gilda’s Stagnaro Bros Hindquarter Starbucks Hoffman’s Bakery Trader Joe’s Homeless Services Center Walnut Ave Café India Joze Zameen Mediterranean Cuisine La Posta Zoccoli’s And be sure to bid on exciting items from the following Auction Donors: Alfaro Vineyards Music in May Buell Wetsuits Nourish Byington Winery Pacific Edge Climbing Gym Cabrillo Festival of Palace Arts & Supply Contemporary Music Patagonia Café Cruz Richard Schmidt School Chardonnay Sailing Tours of Surfing Dharma Love Roaring Camp Railroads Dharma's San Jose Giants Disneyland Seabreeze Café Divinitree Yoga & Arts Studio The Skylight Place EcoGoods Sorenson's Resort Kayak Connection Well Within Spa Museum of Art and History Woutje Swets, Vanguard Realtors See page 13 inside for the names of those supporters who made this event possible! Sponsor the event and you will be recognized in news print media and signage at the event. Please call 458-6020 ext.2101 or donate online at www.scshelter.org