Below are links to a variety of local resources that may assist you. While we strive to provide helpful information, the Housing Authority does not endorse or recommend any specific service, business, or agency.
CONNECT TO HELP: 2-1-1 is Your Gateway to Housing and Support
If you are currently experiencing homelessness or are at risk of homelessness in Santa Cruz County, the Housing Authority encourages you to reach out to 2-1-1 or (831) 713-4111 to learn about available resources. 2-1-1, in partnership with the Housing for Health (H4H) Division of the County of Santa Cruz Human Services Department, can connect you with essential housing-related resources, including shelter availability, affordable housing openings, and other support services.
2-1-1 also links individuals experiencing homelessness with various agencies and programs serving as H4H Connectors. H4H Connectors offer time-limited supportive services to help people secure or maintain housing. You can find a list of current agencies acting as H4H Connectors on the Coordinated Entry website.
To be referred to an H4H Connector, contact 2-1-1 or complete the online referral form Requesting Connection Services.
Affordable Housing & Rental Assistance Resources
| 2-1-1 Santa Cruz County | 2-1-1 (831) 713-4111 | Various services and support providers that can help people experiencing homelessness. |
| Affordable Housing Alerts (AHA) | TEL: N/A | Alert system about local affordable housing opportunities. By signing up, you’ll receive email notifications when affordable housing properties have available units. |
| List of Low-Income Rental Units in Hollister and San Juan Bautista | TEL: N/A | Housing Authority complied list of rental properties in Hollister & San Juan Bautista designated for low-income households. These properties offer affordable housing units with rental assistance or below-market-rate rents. |
| List of Low-Income Rental Units in Santa Cruz County | TEL: N/A | Housing Authority complied list of rental properties in Santa Cruz County designated for low-income households. These properties offer affordable housing units with rental assistance or below-market-rate rents. |
| Santa Cruz Craigslist | TEL: N/A | Online platform connecting users to local rental listings and housing opportunities. |
| Zillow | TEL: N/A | Online platform offering rental listings and tools to simplify your housing search. |
Childcare Resources
| Child Development Resource Center | (831) 466-5820 | Childcare information and parental education |
| Childhood Advisory Council of Santa Cruz County | (831) 466-5822 | Council dedicated to supporting early childhood education and development |
| Live Oak Resource Center | (831) 476-7284 | Resource center for Capitola and Live Oak |
| Santa Cruz Kids | TEL: N/A | Resources regarding daycares, parent coops, and pre-schools |
Community Resources
| Barrios Unidos | (831) 457-8208 | A community-based organization focused on promoting peace, justice, and cultural unity through programs that support at-risk youth, education, and community healing in Santa Cruz County. |
| California LifeLine | (866) 272-0349 | State program providing discounted home phone and cell phone services to qualified low-income households, helping ensure access to essential communication services for work, education, and emergencies. |
| Center for Farmworker Families | (831) 335-5492 | Nonprofit dedicated to improving the living conditions of farmworker families through education, advocacy, and support services, promoting economic & social justice for farmworkers in California. |
| Community Action Board (CAB) | (831) 763-2147 | Nonprofit providing services and advocacy to support low-income individuals and families, empowering them to achieve economic stability and self-sufficiency. |
| Community Bridges | (831) 688-8840 | Nonprofit offering a wide range of services that support families, seniors, and individuals in Santa Cruz County, promoting health, stability, and community well-being. |
| Community Foundation | (831) 662-2000 | Nonprofit that connects donors with causes that matter, providing grants and scholarships to support local nonprofits, build community resilience, and promote equity across Santa Cruz County. |
| Hopes Closet | (831) 566-1731 | Organization offering free clothing, shoes, and essential items to foster children and families in need within Santa Cruz County, helping to provide support and dignity to those facing hardship. |
| Housing for Health – Santa Cruz County | (831) 454-7312 | County initiative focused on addressing homelessness through a coordinated system of housing, healthcare, and supportive services to improve health outcomes and promote housing stability for vulnerable populations. |
| Housing Matters | (831) 458-6020 | Nonprofit dedicated to ending homelessness in Santa Cruz by providing housing, support services, and resources to help individuals and families achieve long-term stability. |
| Mountain Community Resources | (831) 335-6600 | A program of Community Bridges, offering support services to individuals and families in the San Lorenzo Valley, including family advocacy, emergency assistance, education, and community-building activities. |
| People First of Santa Cruz County | (831) 325-2699 | Advocacy organization led by and for individuals with developmental disabilities, empowering members to speak up for their rights, make decisions, and build inclusive communities. |
| Salvation Army | (831) 426-8365 (Santa Cruz) (831) 724-3922 (Watsonville) | Nonprofit providing emergency assistance, shelter, food services, and support programs to individuals and families in need, helping them achieve stability and long-term self-sufficiency. |
| Santa Cruz Public Libraries | (831) 427-7713 | Library system connecting individuals and families to knowledge, resources, and community, fostering lifelong learning and empowerment. |
| Stepping Up Santa Cruz | TEL: N/A | Community initiative aimed at reducing the number of people with mental illnesses in jails by providing support, treatment, and resources to promote recovery and stability. |
| United Way | (831) 479-5466 | Nonprofit mobilizing resources and partnerships to improve education, financial stability, and health for individuals and families in Santa Cruz County. |
| Wings Santa Cruz | TEL: N/A | Nonprofit that helps individuals and families transitioning out of homelessness by providing essential household items, furniture, and advocacy to support long-term housing stability and independence. |
| Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program | (888) 942-9675 | State program offering nutrition education, food assistance, and health care referrals to low-income pregnant women, new mothers, and young children, promoting health and well-being for growing families. |
Educational Resources
| Cabrillo College | (831) 786-4700 | Public community college located in Aptos |
| Calbright College | (833) 956-0225 | Tuition-free public online community college serving California residents statewide. |
| California State University, Monterey Bay | (831) 582-3000 | Public university located in Seaside |
| Child Development Resource Center | (833) 774-4596 | Community organization providing resources, support, and training to early childhood educators and families, ensuring access to childcare. |
| Gavilan College | (408) 848-4800 | Public community college located in Gilroy |
| GreatSchools | TEL: N/A | Nonprofit organization providing information that supports parents pursuing an education. |
| Pajaro Valley Joint Unified School District | (831) 786-2100 | Public school district in the Pajaro Valley (including Watsonville) |
| San Lorenzo Valley Unified School District | (831) 336-9678 | Public school district in the San Lorenzo Valley |
| Santa Cruz County Office of Education | (831) 466-5600 | Local government agency committed to ensuring all students have the educational opportunities they need to thrive. |
| Santa Cruz City School District | (831) 429-3410 | Public school district in Santa Cruz |
| Scotts Valley Unified School District | (831) 438-1820 | Public school district in Scotts Valley |
| University of California, Santa Cruz | (831) 459-0111 | Public university located in Santa Cruz |
| Watsonville, Aptos, Santa Cruz Adult Education (WASC) | (831) 429-3966 (Santa Cruz) (831) 786-8225 (Watsonville) | Public adult education program offering tuition-free courses to local residents. |
Emergency Preparedness and Response Resources
| American Red Cross | (415) 427-8000 | Offers disaster relief, emergency preparedness training, and shelter during emergencies. |
| California Department of Public Health (Emergency Preparedness Office) | (916) 558-1784 | Provides information on public health emergency preparedness, including pandemics and bioterrorism. |
| California Earthquake Authority | (888) 423-2322 | State-run organization providing earthquake insurance for California homeowners, renters, and condominium owners, helping to protect against financial loss from earthquake damage and promoting earthquake preparedness. |
| California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (OES) | (916) 845-8510 | Coordinates disaster response and recovery efforts across the state, offering planning resources and real-time updates on emergencies. |
| Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) | TEL: N/A | Provides disaster preparedness information, financial assistance after disasters, and resources for recovery. |
| Know Your Zone: Santa Cruz 911 | TEL: N/A | Public safety initiative that provides Santa Cruz County residents with information on their designated evacuation zones, helping individuals and families prepare for and respond to emergency evacuations during disasters. |
| Ready.gov | TEL: N/A | National public service campaign offering tips and plans to prepare for all types of emergencies, including natural disasters and terrorism. |
| Santa Cruz Animal Shelter Disaster Preparedness | (831) 454-7200 | Offers resources and guidelines for pet and livestock evacuation and care during emergencies. |
| Santa Cruz County Office of Response, Recovery, and Resilience | TEL: N/A | County agency focused on disaster preparedness, response, and recovery, offering resources and support to help residents plan for emergencies and build community resilience in the face of natural and human-made disasters. |
| Wildfire Preparedness Resources (CalFire) | TEL: N/A | Provides information on fire prevention, evacuation plans, and real-time updates on wildfire risks. |
Financial Resources
| CalWORKs | (877) 847-3663 | State program offering temporary financial assistance and services to low-income families with children, helping them achieve self-sufficiency through employment, education, and support services. |
| Consumer Financial Protection Bureau | (855) 411-2372 | U.S. government agency dedicated to making sure you are treated fairly by banks, lenders and other financial institutions. |
| Employee Development Department | (831) 464-6286 | State agency dedicated to providing vital services, including unemployment benefits, disability insurance, and job opportunities, to support California’s workers and employers. |
| Encompass Community Services | (831) 469-1700 | Encompass provides comprehensive health and human services to Santa Cruz County, offering access to over 40 programs that support the well-being of 6,000 individuals annually. |
| Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) | (866) 675-6623 | Provides financial assistance to low-income households for energy bills, energy crises, and weatherization to ensure home safety and energy efficiency. |
| MyMoney.gov | TEL: N/A | U.S. government resource dedicated to helping individuals and families learn how to manage their finances. |
| Pension Help America | (202) 296-3776 | An organization which connects individuals with trusted assistance to navigate retirement plans, pensions, and benefits. |
| Ventures | (831) 200-1719 | An organization that seeks to build equitable local economies, empowering communities through financial education, wealth-building, and advocacy for economic justice. |
| Workforce Santa Cruz County | (831) 464-6286 (Capitola) (831) 763-8933 (Watsonville) | Workforce Santa Cruz County connects job seekers and employers with the resources and support needed to build a strong local workforce. |
Food and Nutrition Resources
| CalFresh | (877) 847-3663 | State program providing monthly food benefits to low-income individuals and families, helping purchases of healthy and nutritious food while promoting food security and well-being. |
| Second Harvest Food Bank | (831) 722-7110 | Food bank that seeks to inspire and support Santa Cruz County to provide nourishment for all community members. |
Healthcare Resources
| Medi-Cal | (800) 541-5555 | California’s Medicaid program providing free or low-cost healthcare coverage to low-income individuals, families, seniors, and persons with disabilities, ensuring access to essential medical services. |
| Dientes Community Dental | (831) 464-5409 (Mid-County) (831) 621-2560 (Watsonville) (831) 276-7010 (Capitola) (831) 464-5411 (Santa Cruz) | Dental clinic providing affordable, high-quality dental care to low-income individuals and families in Santa Cruz County, ensuring access to oral health services regardless of financial barriers. |
| Familywize | (844) 234-3057 | Program providing markdowns and discounts on prescription drugs. |
| Salud Para La Gente | (831) 728-0222 | Nonprofit healthcare organization committed to providing high-quality, comprehensive, and affordable care in Santa Cruz County. |
| Santa Cruz Community Health | (831) 427-3500 | Nonprofit dedicated to providing high-quality, affordable healthcare to all, regardless of ability to pay. |
| Santa Cruz County Public Health | (831) 454-4000 | Community safety net, ensuring that low-income and uninsured individuals have access to essential healthcare services, promoting health and equity throughout Santa Cruz County. |
Homelessness Resources
| 2-1-1 Santa Cruz County | 2-1-1 (831) 713-4111 | Various services and support providers that can help people experiencing homelessness. |
| Abode Services | (510) 657-7409 | Nonprofit organization dedicated to ending homelessness by providing housing, support services, and advocacy to help people achieve stability and independence. |
| Association of Faith Communities | (831) 200-3996 | Coalition of local faith communities working together to provide shelter, food, and support services for individuals experiencing homelessness in Santa Cruz County, promoting dignity and compassion. |
| Downtown Streets Team | (408) 899-7350 | Nonprofit organization empowering individuals experiencing homelessness through volunteer work programs that provide job skills, community engagement, and pathways to employment and housing stability. |
| Families in Transition | (831) 728-9791 | Nonprofit organization offering housing, support services, and case management to homeless families and those at risk of homelessness, helping them achieve long-term stability and self-sufficiency. |
| Homeless Garden Project | (831) 426-3609 | Nonprofit organization that provides job training, transitional employment, and support services to individuals experiencing homelessness through an organic farming program, fostering personal growth and community engagement. |
| New Life Community Services | (831) 427-1007 | Nonprofit organization offering residential treatment, counseling, and support services for individuals and families recovering from addiction and homelessness, helping them achieve long-term stability and self-sufficiency. |
| Pajaro Valley Shelter Services | (831) 728-5649 | Nonprofit organization providing shelter, case management, and support services to homeless women, children, and families in the Pajaro Valley, helping them achieve self-sufficiency and stable housing. |
2-1-1 also links individuals experiencing homelessness with various agencies and programs serving as H4H Connectors. H4H Connectors offer time-limited supportive services to help people secure or maintain housing. You can find a list of current agencies acting as H4H Connectors on the Coordinated Entry website.
To be referred to an H4H Connector, contact 2-1-1 or complete the online referral form Requesting Connection Services.
Homeownership Resources
| Homepath | (800) 232-6643 | Fannie Mae program that offers buyers the chance to purchase Fannie Mae-owned homes, with flexible financing options and resources to simplify the homebuying process. |
| HUD’s First Time Homebuyers Resources | (800) 569-4827 | Resources providing guidance, tools, and information to help first-time homebuyers navigate the path to homeownership with confidence |
| Measure J | (831) 454-2332 | A Santa Cruz County ordinance that prioritizes affordable housing by requiring a certain percentage of new developments to be designated for low- and moderate-income households, promoting long-term housing affordability and sustainable growth. |
| Measure O | (831) 420-5030 | City of Santa Cruz initiative aimed at preserving existing affordable housing, preventing the displacement of low-income residents, and protecting tenants by promoting inclusionary housing practices and maintaining community diversity through dedicated affordable housing policies. |
| Section 8 Homeownership Program | (831) 454-9455 | Allows Housing Choice Voucher recipients to use their vouchers toward mortgage payments, helping low-income families achieve the dream of homeownership by providing financial assistance and support throughout the home-buying process. |
Legal Resources
| California Rural Legal Assistance (CRLA) | (831) 724-2253 | Non-profit law firm that provides a full range of legal services to low-income residents of Santa Cruz and San Benito County who are under the age of 62. Services include legal information, representation, and advocacy. |
| California Tenants: A Guide to Residential Tenants’ and Landlords’ Rights & Responsibilities | TEL: N/A | Comprehensive guide explains the legal requirements and legal options in common tenant-landlord situations. |
| Conflict Resolution Center of Santa Cruz County | (831) 475-6117 | Non-profit organization that provides affordable tools, training, and guided mediation processes for people in conflict. Services include housing mediation, counseling, conflict consultation, and mediation training. |
| Fair Housing Guides and Fact Sheets | TEL: N/A | California Civil Rights Department provides a variety of information about anti-discrimination rights and protected classes. |
| Housing Discrimination Information | TEL: N/A | California Civil Rights Department provides basic information about protected classes and illegal discrimination related to housing. |
| Immigration Legal Resource Center | TEL: N/A | Nonprofit organization providing legal training, educational resources, and advocacy to support immigrants and the communities that serve them. |
| Landlord Training Manual | TEL: N/A | City of Santa Cruz Neighborhood Services Team provides a manual that may help with crime prevention at your property. |
| Know Your Housing Rights | TEL: N/A | Fact sheet providing an overview of basic tenants’ rights when renting a housing unit. |
| Lawyer Referral Service of Santa Cruz County | (831) 425-4755 | Agency that can help direct you to an attorney that best suits your needs. Individuals interested in receiving a referral will be charged a $50 administrative fee in exchange for a phone appointment and referral. |
| Legal Assistance and Tenant-Landlord Rights | TEL: N/A | Housing Authority compiled list for legal assistance, mediation, & advocacy services. Providing resources to navigate legal issues and understand rights and responsibilities. |
| National Immigration Law Center | (510) 663-8282 | National organization dedicated to defending and advancing the rights of low-income immigrants through litigation, policy advocacy, and education. |
| Quick Guide for Landlords | TEL: N/A | Guide providing some tips for preventing problems and protecting yourself from fraudulent property managers. |
| Quick Guide for Tenants Renting a Home | TEL: N/A | Guide providing some tips for preventing problems and protecting yourself from housing fraud. |
| Santa Cruz County Immigration Project | (831) 763-2147 | Community organization providing legal assistance, education, and support to immigrants and their families in Santa Cruz County. |
| Santa Cruz Law Library | (831) 420-2205 | Free access to legal information and free assistance with finding the best resources for your legal research. |
| Self-Help Center of the Superior Court of California, Santa Cruz | (831) 420-2200 | Free assistance to self-represented customers for a variety of basic legal issues. |
| Senior Network Services | (831) 462-1433 (Santa Cruz) (831) 200-3405 (Watsonville) | Non-profit law firm that provides a full range of legal services to low-income residents in Santa Cruz County aged 62 and older. Services include legal information, representation, and advocacy. |
| Tenant-Landlord Information Resources | (831) 427-7713 | Santa Cruz Public Library a collection of books and other publications related to tenant-landlord law. |
| Tenant Power Toolkit | TEL: N/A | Collaborative organization that may help you with legal issues related to tenant-landlord law. |
| Tenant Sanctuary | (831) 200-0740 | Non-profit organization in the City of Santa Cruz that offers information, education, housing counseling, and advocacy to help renters understand and assert their rights. |
| Watsonville Law Center | (831) 722-2845 | Non-profit organization that provides free legal services to low-income individuals on the Central Coast. |
Local Governments
| City of Capitola | (831) 475-7300 | Local jurisdictional government |
| City of Santa Cruz | (831) 420-5150 | Local jurisdictional government |
| City of Scotts Valley | (831) 440-5600 | Local jurisdictional government |
| City of Watsonville | (831) 768-3050 | Local jurisdictional government |
| County of Santa Cruz | (831) 454-2500 | Local jurisdictional government |
Senior Adult and Persons with Disabilities Resources
| Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI) | (800) 929-8118 | State-funded program providing cash benefits to elderly, blind, or disabled legal immigrants who do not qualify for federal SSI due to immigration status, ensuring financial support for basic needs. |
| Center for Independent Living | (831) 757-2968 | Nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with disabilities by providing resources, advocacy, and support for independent living in the Central Coast region. |
| Deaf Counseling Advocacy & Referral Agency (DCARA) | (510) 343-6670 | Nonprofit organization providing advocacy, counseling, and support services to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community, promoting independence and empowerment. |
| Front Street, Inc. | (831) 454-4170 | Nonprofit organization providing behavioral health and housing services for adults with mental health challenges, offering a range of residential and outpatient programs to support stability and well-being. |
| Hope Services | (408) 284-2850 | Nonprofit serving individuals with developmental disabilities, providing a variety of services including employment, housing, and health programs to enhance independence and quality of life. |
| Housing Choices Coalition | (831) 722-3954 | Nonprofit organization that advocates for and supports individuals with developmental disabilities by creating and securing affordable housing opportunities, promoting independent living and community inclusion. |
| San Andreas Regional Center | (831) 900-3737 | Nonprofit organization providing services, support, and advocacy for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families in the Central Coast region. |
| Seniors Council | (831) 688-0400 | Nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the well-being and independence of older adults through advocacy, services, and support in Santa Cruz County. |
| Senior Network Services | (831) 462-1433 (Santa Cruz) (831) 200-3405 (Watsonville) | Nonprofit organization providing seniors and their families with resources, referrals, and support to navigate housing, healthcare, and other aging-related services in Santa Cruz County. |
| Vista Center | (831) 458-9766 | Nonprofit organization providing comprehensive services, resources, and support to empower individuals with vision loss to lead independent and fulfilling lives. |
Transportation Resources
| Santa Cruz METRO | (831) 425-8600 | Public transit agency providing safe, reliable, and affordable transportation services across Santa Cruz County, connecting residents to jobs, schools, and essential services. |
Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Resources
| District Attorney’s Office | (831) 454-2400 | Legal support, protection, and advocacy for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and other crimes under VAWA, ensuring justice and safety for victims. |
| Monarch Services | (888) 900-4232 | Nonprofit organization offering crisis support, advocacy, and resources for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking, empowering individuals to achieve safety and healing |
| Pajaro Valley Shelter Services | (831) 728-5649 | Nonprofit organization providing shelter, case management, and support services to homeless women, children, and families in the Pajaro Valley, helping them achieve self-sufficiency and stable housing. |
| Walnut Avenue Family & Women’s Center | (831) 426-3062 | Nonprofit organization providing comprehensive support services for women, children, and families affected by domestic violence, including shelter, counseling, advocacy, and education to promote safety and empowerment. |
Veterans Resources
| Santa Cruz Veterans Center | (831) 464-4575 | Community resource providing counseling, support, and services to veterans and their families, helping the transition to civilian life and addressing mental health, trauma, and other post-service challenges. |
| Department of Veterans Affairs | (800) 698-2411 | U.S. government agency dedicated to providing healthcare, benefits, and support to U.S. veterans and their families. |