For the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic, the County of Santa Cruz provided safe shelter, food and critical services to more than 800 local residents who lack housing. As we emerge from the pandemic, the County is asking for the community’s help in finding and supporting transitions to permanent housing for individuals who may otherwise experience a return to homelessness.
Learn more about the Rehousing Wave
The County of Santa Cruz COVID-19 Homeless Response, which is managed by the Shelter & Care Task Force, supports the overall County Public Health response and is consistent with the U.S. Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention and the California Department of Public Health recommendations for people experiencing homelessness.
The Shelter & Care Task Force was established to oversee homeless services during the COVID-19 pandemic, focused on minimizing the spread of the disease by isolating sick and vulnerable individuals and supplementing existing services impacted by the outbreak. Led by the Santa Cruz County Department of Human Services, the task force consists of staff from the County and cities of Santa Cruz and Watsonville, as well as community-based organizations’ experts.
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County Human Services COVID-19 Information Shelter Referral Process, Provider Resources, and more.
County Health Services COVID-19 Information Current Status of COVID-19 in Santa Cruz County and more.