Housing Matters

This week’s Community Spotlight is Ellen Davidson, a Case Manager for our CalWorks Housing Assistance and Move-in Program (CHAMP), here at Housing Matters. Ellen brings unwavering passion and enthusiasm to her work and motivates everyone around her to do the same. We truly couldn’t do this work without her. We recently asked Ellen why she does this work. Her response, below, says it all. ... Placing the families in CHAMP in stable housing means giving children a place to call home. I believe in giving back to the community, paying forward to those who are in need. Working with dedicated staff at Housing Matters gives me inspiration and working with the CHAMP team gives me more determination. Making small changes one by one has a domino effect. I am active in my native community as well. This is a photo of me in my native regalia, attending yearly Stanford Pow Wow and ready to dance in the sacred circle. I am a culture carrier and considered a resource for my native community. Thank you, Ellen, for all that you do.

Great news! Our partners at Community Solutions was recently awarded the MacArthur Foundation’s 100&Change grant of 100 MILLION DOLLARS! Yep you read that right, $100 MILLION! ... With this huge award, Community Solutions aims to accelerate an end to homelessness in the United States. Read more below about their plan for this grant:

Good Times recently called up 10 Santa Cruz residents to discuss how they believe the crisis of homelessness could be improved (or solved!) in our community; one of which was Housing Matters’ Board President, Cecelia Espinola! Take a look below to learn what your neighbors (and experts in the field) think about this issue and how we can continue working to ensure every one of our neighbors has a place to call home.

HUD’s most recent annual homeless assessment contains some alarming statistics on homelessness in the country. See the article below, written by our friends at Pallet, to read more about the assessments findings. We are very hopeful for the impact coming from the American Rescue Plan Act, as $5 billion has been allocated for emergency housing vouchers and another $5 billion to help create housing and services for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

In early April, we partnered with Miracle Messages to host a one-time event to discuss the vast solutions to homelessness in the Bay Area (and beyond!) and hear a powerful story from a woman who has experienced homelessness herself. Couldn't make it? You're in luck! Check out the recording below and let us know what you think by leaving your thoughts in the comments.

The US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) recently released Part 1 of it’s 2020 Annual Homelessness Assessment Report to Congress. The report found that homelessness increased significantly in 2019 - 2020. Read the report and stay up to date on HUD’s on-goings below: