Unite in solidarity and rally to support housing as a human right!
Join a compassionate community coalition — led by Housing Matters and other local nonprofit providers, agencies, businesses and hundreds of community members — the March to End Homelessness in downtown Santa Cruz. Taking place on Saturday, May 18, the march and rally is anchored in inspiring hope for actionable solutions to homelessness through the advancement of public policy.
“The March is not just a symbolic show of solidarity for those experiencing homelessness,” said Phil Kramer, Chief Executive Officer of Housing Matters. “It is a great opportunity to raise awareness about the actions being taken to support our unhoused neighbors in Santa Cruz County, including by the City of Santa Cruz, County of Santa dCruz and the whole continuum of care, including Housing Matters and all the other service providers.”
More than 500 people participated in the first March to End Homelessness, held in Santa Cruz in April 2023. The second annual March to End Homelessness is a partnership event, with coalition partners from across Santa Cruz County, including Abode Services, Association of Faith Communities, Encompass Community Services, Families in Transition, Homeless Garden Project, Housing Santa Cruz County, Santa Cruz County Public Defender’s Office, the Free Guide (now People First), Siena House and Wings Homeless Advocacy.
This year’s event will begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 18, at Santa Cruz City Hall, 809 Center St. in Santa Cruz. Attendees will hear from local leaders, advocacy partners and people with lived expertise regarding the importance of housing as a human right, before marching through downtown Santa Cruz. The mile-long march will finish with a service provider resource fair.
“The March to End Homelessness is the manifestation of our goal to bring the Santa Cruz County community together behind the idea that ‘Housing is a Human Right!’” added Mer Stafford, Chief Impact Officer for Housing Matters. “By standing together as a community, we can change hearts and minds, and unify to create meaningful and impactful change.”
Registration for the event is encouraged (and free!), with optional, suggested donation opportunities available online to support the event. For individuals or groups who want to take their participation a step further, volunteer opportunities are available before and during the event. Sponsorship opportunities are also available.
“Now more than ever is the time to wake up, show up and support policies that will empower our unhoused neighbors and end homelessness,” said Stafford.
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