Quick Take
Santa Cruz County officials announced grants Wednesday for several nonprofits that serve the county’s immigrant and LGBTQ+ communities to further fund legal and support services. The county board of supervisors allocated $200,000 from the county’s general fund in February.
Santa Cruz County handed out funding to nonprofit organizations that serve immigrant and LGBTQ+ residents Wednesday as part of ongoing efforts to protect those communities from Trump administration policies.
Santa Cruz County officials, including County Supervisors Felipe Hernandez and Monica Martinez, announced at a news conference in Watsonville that seven nonprofit organizations were awarded grants to support and expand legal and services for immigrant and LGBTQ+ communities.
The Trump administration has rolled out a series of policies targeting immigrant and LGBTQ+ communities, including increasing arrests and deportations of undocumented immigrants and executive orders attempting to defund gender-affirming care for transgender youth.
Following the presidential election in November, local civic leaders gathered to reassure the region’s immigrant community that Santa Cruz County would remain a sanctuary county. In February, the county board of supervisors voted to spend $200,000 on grants to local nonprofits.
“These grants represent a shared commitment to support our immigrant and LGBTQ+ community, and really to ensure that everybody in our county feels safe and that they thrive in their well-being,” said Mónica Morales, county health services director.
South County-based Community Action Board and Catholic Charities Diocese of Monterey will each receive $25,000, while Watsonville Law Center will receive $50,000. The funding will be used to provide free legal consultation and representation for immigrant families, in addition to “Know Your Rights” workshops.
The Diversity Center received $75,000, the Gay-Straight Alliances and Queer Youth Task Force each received $10,000 and TransFamilies was awarded $5,000. The grants will be used to fund free peer support groups, identity-affirming mental health counseling and community outreach.
“Santa Cruz County is stronger because of our immigrant communities. They’re the backbone of our economy, the heart of our culture and the parents of the next generation of leaders,” said Hernandez. “It’s our duty to ensure they are protected and supported.”
The funding is crucial for Watsonville Law Center to continue providing free legal consultations and representation for the community, said Adriana Melgoza, the center’s executive director. The resources will go directly to help pay staff and potentially add more people due to the overwhelming demand for help.
The Queer Youth Task Force plans to use the grant to help make leadership and mental health workshops more accessible by helping participants with fees and transportation, said Izabella Leon, a Pajaro Valley High School senior and member of the group.
“These funds are just a drop in the bucket, considering what is ultimately needed, but I am confident that they will be put to good use as we continue to seek out additional ways to support our LGBTQ+ family,” said Martinez.
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