An Initiative of United Way
of Santa Cruz County


MARCH
UPDATE

A newsletter for our allies

Housing Advocacy Network
Visit and sign up with our new  ACTION NETWORK  site and use the site's tools to help us to announce the presence of the new Housing Advocacy Network. Smart Solutions to Homelessness belongs to this network along with 35 other community organizations. We are insisting that our local elected officials commit to taking specific steps to address the housing crisis for working families and vulnerable populations this year. 

In addition, you can follow housing advocacy issues at the Network's   Facebook Page.

More info can also be found at our website.

What Are Smart Solutions?
1. Evidence-based
2. Produce measurable results

3. Cost effective

4. Benefit the entire community

5. Take a step toward ending homelessness

6. Support the dignity of each individual

Our VISION is a Santa Cruz County in which every community member has some form of safe shelter, and where homelessness is a rare occurrence.

Our MISSION is to build the community will to reduce and ultimately end homelessness in Santa Cruz County through education and collaborative action.
In This Issue
Community Builders Awards
 

Our own Linda Lemaster, Meredy Wells, Jenny Panetta and Smart Path were recognized at this year's Community Builders Awards in the categories of Commitment in Action, Volunteer of the Year, Advocate of the Year and New Partnership respectively. 

To read more and see more pictures check out this article.
Smart Solutions is participating in the Human Race!

The Human Race Walkathon & Fun Run is the largest collaborative community fundraiser in Santa Cruz County. Last year this event raised over $237,000 for non-profits, schools and churches serving youth, seniors, families and people with disabilities and addressed the environmental, educational, religious, social and arts needs in our community. 

Funds can be raised for any nonprofit organization, school or church. The run and walk are open to all. Organizations on their own behalf and supporting businesses recruit walkers, runners and pledge-gatherers to raise funds for their favorite non-profit organization. 

Participating nonprofits receive 75% or more of monies collected. The Volunteer Center provides marketing, publicity, materials, and experienced assistance to coordinate and stage the event. Nonprofits and supporting businesses provide the people power.

There are several ways to support Smart Solutions:

1. Donate online  here.
2. Donate in person at the following locations and hours:
  • Volunteer Center Santa Cruz Office, 1740th Ave Monday-Friday from 9am-4pm. 
  • Volunteer Center Watsonville Office, 349 Main St, Ste 208 Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 9am-2pm
To speed up the process of turning in offline donations, you may print & fill the Offline Donation form from our Resources page ahead of time. These will be available at the office when you turn in donations as well. *Please note that the hours listed on this form apply to the Santa Cruz Office only.

Please make checks out to "The Volunteer Center" or "The Human Race" either way is fine.
In Other News...

Find commentary from Don Lane about the Post Office fence, Winter Shelter, and Smart Solutions here.

The US Interagency Council on Homelessness joins many other programs on the federal budget chopping block. This small and lightly staffed body has played a tremendous role in promoting solutions to homelessness that work-and aligning federal resources to focus on those effective solutions. If you think the federal government should not abandon its efforts to take on homelessness, sign this petition. 
United Way
F ollow us at Smart Solutions to Homelessness
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Smart Solutions to Homelessness, United Way of Santa Cruz County/ 4450 Capitola Rad, Suite 106/ tel:831-465-2203
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