Housing Matters is hosting its second annual Picture This event on Sunday at Hotel Paradox in Santa Cruz.
The event by the housing and homelessness nonprofit allows community leaders and individuals with lived experience of homelessness and housing insecurity to share their stories. Through a storytelling format, speakers can share personal insights and explore equity, shared responsibility, and courage, the organization said.
“Storytelling is a powerful way to understand each other’s experiences that shape how we interact and engage in the world around us,” said Mer Stafford, chief impact officer at Housing Matters. “By building compassion within our community through sharing personal narratives, we want to inspire everyone to take action by contributing to housing justice for all.”
Emceed by Housing Matters Speakers Bureau members China Clark and Chris Field, the event will feature eight presenters:
- Bella Bonner, founder/executive director of Black Surf Santa Cruz
- Gina Castaneda, Santa Cruz County deputy probation officer
- Tenzin Chogkyi, compassion educator
- MaríaElena De La Garza, CEO, Community Action Board
- Edward Estrada, Supportive Services for Veteran Families program manager, Housing Matters
- Curtis Reliford, founder, Follow Your Heart Action Network
- Heather Rogers, Santa Cruz County public defender
- Donnie Veal, program coordinator, Rising Scholars program at Cabrillo College
The reception begins at 5 p.m. with a cash bar, light snacks and live music by Anthony Steinberg, Housing Matters’ direct services coordinator. The event begins at 6 p.m.
To learn more about the presenter lineup and purchase tickets ($30 general admission/$20 students), visit the event page.
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