AFCSC - Association of Faith Communities of Santa Cruz
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We need to stop playing Wack-a-Mole with homeless camps.



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San Lorenzo Park
unmanaged open/closed twice

​Benchlands
managed open/closed twice


River St.
managed open/closed twice

Camp Paradise 
​unmanaged open/closed twice

                                                               

Ross Camp unmanaged 
open/closed. The river by the Cemetery un
managed open/closed often
and many, many smaller unmanaged camps.

Camps are needed, yet they always close.  Needed, as many of the 1,700 unsheltered (78%, one of the highest in the state) can't find room in a shelter or won't go because they have pets, possessions or partners that are usually not welcomed.  So, they form their own communities for self protection (unmanaged) from law enforcement and the predators among the unhoused.

Closed, because the managed camps are never intended to stay open, either placed in flood zones or in spaces known to be needed for other purposes even before they open.  Closed, because the unmanaged camps need assistance to succeed: sanitation, security, services and structure. Without these essentials, they fall into squalled conditions attract too many others, including the predators, and turn the quest for safety in numbers into more misery.  Yet, everybody seems to be surprised when they are closed or fail and are swept by police.  

Planning would make the difference. We need managed camps on pre-selected public property set aside for a semi-permanent basis with the essentials mentioned above.  Yet, no plan by the county or the city in includes them.  This is a failure of politic will, not management skills, and not entirely because of lack of funding.
 

We can do better, and you can help.  Email us and let's figure our way out of this cycle: director@afcsantacruz.org


Ever

Welcome to Association of Faith Communities


SafeSpaces  Is Open

The SafeSpaces  program allows folks who are living out of their vehicles a safe place to park with access to sanitary facilities and other amenities.  We also offer program staff to help plan the steps it will take to get into better housing.

We have spaces available in Santa Cruz and the Aptos area.  Your vehicle needs to run, be registered and insured, and you will need a driver's license.  Families welcome.

If you are interested, please click the contact button and tell us your situation, or call Joseph at 831.753.8555

Faith Community Shelter

Since 2012, the AFC has been sponsoring a nightly transitional shelter at faith communities from Santa Cruz to Aptos.  We are able to do so for about $12.00 a night per member because we can depend upon donated space and our wonderful volunteer cooks.  Please, click "contact us" to email or call Debbie at 831.332.8151 if you need shelter.

SPIN

 Socks.  People need socks.  Homeless folks go through them fast.  SPIN has distributed over 30,000 socks at area shelters and food pantrys.

Get Involved


Every faith community is invited to join the AFC.  Come help relieve the suffering that living without shelter causes.  Be in fellowship with those who are struggling. Bring to your congregation a better understanding that we are all God's people. AFC needs cooks, towel throwers, trailer towers, servers, planners, fundraisers; caring people to assist those without homes to a better life.

​It fun work.
CONTACT US

Alleviating suffering through interfaith action

Hundreds of volunteers from faith communities prepare and serve meals for North County Winter Shelter.
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Both the Faith Community Shelter and the SafeSpaces programs are significantly funded by State HEAP grant funds administered by the County of Santa Cruz.  Information on assistance and employment opportunities may be found at Santa Cruz County Government (www.co.santa-cruz.ca.us), and Workforce Santa Cruz County (www.workforcescc.com) web sites.

  • Home
  • About
  • Services
    • Resource Directory
    • Shelter
    • SPIN
    • SafeSpaces Program
    • Year-round Shelter
  • Contact
  • Give