CompassionSC

Project Homeless Connect Santa Cruz

     CompassionSC is starting to coordinate this month with a number of churches and community organizers to assist with "Project Homeless Connect Santa Cruz," an initiative being brought to Santa Cruz by United Way of SC. This is a great way for the collective church to serve the homeless and community. Below is a description of the event which will be held in the Civic Auditorium on March, 30th.

"In 2001, the United States government adopted a national goal to end homelessness in ten years.  It is now 2010 and while our nation and our county have made great strides in reducing homelessness, the number of homeless individuals in our county is astounding.  It is estimated that Santa Cruz County is home to at least 4,624 homeless individuals.  Many of these individuals are homeless for the first time.  They are unfamiliar with the services this community has to offer and they are ashamed of their need. 

Project Homeless Connect originated in San Francisco California in 2004 to address the issue of homelessness.  Since that date, projects have been held in more than 220 communities across the nation.   

Project Homeless Connect changes the way homeless services are delivered to the community.  It is a one day community-wide event that provides housing, support, and quality of life resources to homeless individuals in the community.  The project is centered on the consumer, immediately providing them with the services they require and welcoming them back into the community."

   We are hopeful multiple churches will get involved in this opportunity to serve. There are a variety of ways to serve. Everyone should be able to find a way to utilize and leverage one of their skills or interests. Please spread the word and mobilize your church to get involved. 

For more specifics as to how you, your church,  or a group can get involved please click here.

There are also two key meetings for volunteers on Feb. 25 and March 11th from 4-6 pm at the United Way  office on 41st Ave. in the conference room. 

Below is a video from the Project Homeless Connect in San Francisco. Click on the image!

Beach Flats Community Center: Literacy Program Launch and Resource Drive

CompassionSC has assisted over the last three months with the development of an exciting new initiative in the Beach Flats community. We were approached by the volunteer coordinator at the Beach Flats Community Center to participate on a new "task force" team to tackle how to launch, develop, and support a literacy program for children. We helped recruit seasoned educators and the team met throughout the Fall. We are thrilled to announce the program is scheduled to start in February.

As we look to support the center as they kick of this new program, there is an immediate need for supplies. Please consider volunteering, donating supplies, and help spread the word about how others can get involved. Please let us know if you have any questions. Thanks for your support of this new initiative!

List of needed items:

• One inch binders with plastic view sheet on front / "one inch view binders" (Quantity 20)
• Folders with pockets / pocket Folders (cheap kind)  ( Quantity 20)
• Ream of 8 1/2 by 11 paper
• Colored paper (thin sheets, not construction paper)
• Pens / Markers (different colors and sizes / fine-point & large point)
• Crayons / Colored Pencils
• Pencils

Please drop off donations to:

Beach Flats Community Center

133 Leibrandt Ave.

Santa Cruz, CA 95060

831.426.8232