Lookout’s July 31 housing forum and related coverage highlight the complex challenges our civic leaders face in addressing the housing crisis in Santa Cruz County. Meanwhile, the daily struggles of our unhoused and under-housed neighbors continue to grow. Many in our community are asking, “How can I help?”

While solutions to the housing crisis are complex, the good news is that each of us can make a positive impact through volunteering. This month, the Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County has put together a list of 10 ways you can take action to support housing equity and offer direct support to people affected by homelessness. From advocacy and community organizing to providing professional services, serving meals, and delivering hygiene kits, your compassion and generosity will make a real difference. 

1. Good Neighbor Network with Housing Matters
Ongoing, Santa Cruz
Volunteers in the Good Neighbor Network support Housing Matters’ efforts to reduce homelessness and promote housing justice through education, advocacy, and compassion in action. Opportunities include front desk assistance, kitchen support, tutoring, and more.

2. Host a Hygiene/Warming Kit Assembly Party with the Downtown Streets Team
Ongoing, Santa Cruz County
Host a kit drive to assemble and distribute hygiene and warming kits to people experiencing homelessness. This is a perfect activity for families, friends, schools, and offices. Hygiene kits include essentials like soap, shampoo, and feminine products, while warming kits contain items like rain ponchos and blankets.

Credit: Healthy Connections Program, Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County.

3. Support Asylum-Seekers and Refugees with the Santa Cruz Welcoming Network
Santa Cruz, Ongoing
The Santa Cruz Welcoming Network offers various ways to support asylum-seekers and refugees, from transporting people to appointments to helping them find housing and healthcare. This is a flexible opportunity that can be tailored to your skills, interests, and availability.

4. Notary for Vital Docs Program, Wings Homeless Services
Ongoing, Santa Cruz and Watsonville
Currently seeking dedicated and compassionate Notaries to volunteer with the Vital Docs Program. As a volunteer notary, you will assist individuals in the process of obtaining their birth certificates. This role is essential for hundreds of people each year who struggle to navigate the complex systems required to secure their documentation.

5. Volunteer with Homeless Garden Project
Ongoing, Santa Cruz
The Homeless Garden Project provides job training, transitional employment, and support services to people experiencing homelessness. HGP’s vibrant education and volunteer program blends formal, experiential, and service learning, taking place on our 3-acre organic farm.

Credit: Healthy Connections Program, Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County.

6. Phone Buddy Volunteer with Miracle Messages
Ongoing, Remote Opportunity
Gain new friendships and connections in the community while making a difference in someone’s life, one call and conversation at a time. Miracle Friends is a virtual and remote program that matches you with someone experiencing homelessness in the Santa Cruz area. Commit to 30 minutes per week to offer general companionship and support.

7. Adopt-A-Family Committee with the Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County
August – December, Possible remote opportunities
Every holiday season, the Adopt-A-Family project brings joy and hope to over 450 local families in need. Joining the planning committee to help coordinate and execute this impactful program. Meetings are held monthly from July to September, with more frequent meetings in October and November.

8. Cook and Serve Meals with St. Francis Soup Kitchen
Ongoing Santa Cruz
Support the St. Francis Soup Kitchen by cooking and serving meals to those in need. Volunteers help prepare and distribute food to our community’s most vulnerable populations.

9. Hunger Fighter Pajaro Valley Loaves and Fishes
Ongoing, Watsonville
Help feed your community by volunteering at Pajaro Valley Loaves and Fishes. Volunteers assist in the kitchen with meal preparation and in the pantry with assembling and distributing grocery bags. Volunteers can choose their frequency, whether it’s a few times or every day.

Credit: WIngs Homeless Services Vital Docs Program

10. Volunteer with Felton Food Pantry at Mountain Community Resource Center
Ongoing, Felton
The Felton Food Pantry has an ongoing need for volunteers every Thursday morning. Volunteers assist with food distribution and pantry organization. This is a rewarding opportunity to work alongside a friendly team of community members.

Whether you’re looking for a hands-on opportunity or a flexible remote role, there’s something here for everyone. Get involved and make a difference in Santa Cruz County this August!

Connect for Good at the Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County!

At the Volunteer Center, we believe that a better world IS possible thanks to the everyday heroes who volunteer in our local community. That’s why we are dedicated to helping everyone find their perfect volunteer role. We each have different needs when it comes to volunteering. The Volunteer Center will connect you with an organization that matches your interests, availability, and skills.

ABOUT THE VOLUNTEER CENTER OF SANTA CRUZ COUNTY

The Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County (VCSCC) has been connecting individuals, organizations and businesses for good since 1967. Each year VCSCSC engages with more than 500 community partners and more than 15,000 volunteers who connect meaningfully to help more than 9,000 residents in need. In addition to volunteer engagement and placement, VCSCC administers 19 programs to support community need, seniors, families, youth, disaster response, and government partnerships to make Santa Cruz County a happier, healthier place to live. For more information, visit scvolunteercenter.org or follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates and volunteer stories.

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