The upcoming “Go the Extra Mile with DST” Walk is more than just a fundraiser—it’s a movement to create lasting change in Santa Cruz. On September 22nd, locals will gather at Santa Cruz City Hall to walk for a cause that goes beyond the day’s steps. This event supports Downtown Streets Team (DST), a nonprofit that empowers individuals experiencing homelessness to rebuild their lives through employment, housing, and community-driven support. Unhoused individuals walk an average of 15 miles per day to meet their basic needs. This Walk is in honor of that struggle and the resilience of DST Team Members.

Walk with Purpose: Fundraiser Details

The “Go the Extra Mile with DST” Walk offers an opportunity for Santa Cruz residents to make a tangible difference. Whether you power walk, shuffle, or simply support, your participation will directly fund programs that help individuals find stability, employment, and housing. 

The Walk, hosted by DST, will include a brief agenda of speakers and partners who share a commitment to uplifting the community. From heartfelt stories shared by DST Team Members who have overcome homelessness, to inspiring messages from local leaders, this event promises to be a day of hope, unity, and action.

DST is also hosting a silent auction with some amazing items available for bid. Items range from beautiful jewelry to a variety of incredible Santa Cruz experiences like an overnight stay at the Dream Inn, a trip to the Boardwalk, or set sail on the Chardonnay. To join or donate, visit go.rallyup.com/gotheextramilewithdst. Every dollar counts in the fight to combat the stigma of homelessness in Santa Cruz.

The Mission Behind DST

Downtown Streets Team has been a vital force in Santa Cruz’s effort to address homelessness. With the belief that everyone deserves a second chance, DST offers unhoused individuals the tools and support they need to regain self-sufficiency. By attending weekly employment focused workshops and Success meeting, Team Members earn stipends while receiving job readiness training, housing assistance, and peer-driven support.

Since its inception, DST has helped numerous individuals transition from homelessness to housing, employment, and stability. To date, DST-Santa Cruz has achieved the following outcomes:

  • 425 Unique Individuals Actively Enrolled
  • 735,296 Gallons of Debris Removed
  • 124,353 Cigarette Butts Collected
  • 29,698 Discarded Syringes Removed8
  • 2,144 Barriers Removed
  • 34 Individuals Housed 
  • 96 New Jobs Gained
  • 146,793 Total Volunteer Hours

Their mission—rooted in dignity and empowerment—focuses on breaking the cycle of homelessness by addressing both the immediate and systemic challenges. More information on DST’s initiatives can be found at streetsteam.org/santacruz.

Breaking the Stigma of Homelessness

While the walk serves as a crucial fundraiser, it’s also a step toward reducing the stigma surrounding homelessness. Every participant in the “Go the Extra Mile with DST” Walk helps shift the narrative, showcasing the importance of empathy and community solidarity. Homelessness isn’t just a policy issue; it’s a human issue that requires collective action. By walking alongside individuals affected by homelessness, participants are taking a stand against the stereotypes that often keep people marginalized.

Community Leaders Rally for the Cause

The commitment to ending homelessness in Santa Cruz is underscored by the support of community leaders. The DST Community Advisory Council includes dedicated members like Robert Orrizzi, Paula Sandas, Kim Salisbury, Emily Dubois, Genevieve Lucas-Conwell, and Evan Morrison. Each of these leaders brings unique expertise and passion to the cause, guiding DST’s mission and ensuring that local efforts have lasting impact. Their dedication, along with the work of many others, is what propels DST’s mission forward.

“Homelessness affects us all,” says Genevieve Lucas-Conwell, a long-time advocate for housing and community health. “DST is showing that with the right support, anyone can get back on their feet. That’s why this fundraiser is so important—it’s about showing people we believe in their ability to turn their lives around.”

A Call to Action: Walk for Change

The “Go the Extra Mile with DST” Walk is an invitation to all Santa Cruz residents to join a movement rooted in compassion and action. Whether you lace up your sneakers for the walk, purchase an auction item, donate to the cause, or simply spread the word, your support is vital in helping DST continue its life-changing work. By participating, you’re not only helping to fund critical programs, but you’re also walking to create a community where homelessness can become a challenge of the past—not the future.To register, donate, or learn more, visit go.rallyup.com/gotheextramilewithdst. The first 100 people to show up will receive a DST water bottle and chocolate chip cookie from Pacific Cookie Company!

Together, let’s go the extra mile to change the perception of people experiencing homelessness in Santa Cruz—one step at a time.

US Bank is the Premium Sponsor for this years “Go the Extra Mile with DST” Walk.