An Initiative of United Way
of Santa Cruz County
OCTOBER UPDATE
                                   

Smart Solutions to Homelessness-
In This Issue
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What Are Smart Solutions?

Evidence-based

Produce measurable results


Cost effective


Benefit the entire community


Take a step toward ending homelessness

Support the dignity of each individual


Our VISION is a Santa Cruz County in which every community member has some form of safe shelter, and where homelessness is a rare occurrence.

Our MISSION is to build the community will to reduce and ultimately end homelessness in Santa Cruz County through education and collaborative action.
Smart Solutions Members in the Community: Emerging Leaders Circle
Phil Kramer addresses about thirty Emerging Leaders Circle members. (Photo Credit: Mariah Tanner)
A mixer with meaning, United Way of Santa Cruz County's Emerging Leaders Circle (ELC) brings together early professionals in our community to connect, serve, and lead! The October 1st CONNECT event, held at New Bohemia Brewing Co, was focused on homelessness. Smart Solutions to Homelessness Leadership Council Member Phil Kramer presented local facts and inspiring words on how to be the change we want in our community. Thank you Phil for supporting this active group of emerging leaders to get involved in solving homelessness!
Phil's next step is an important one for our community. Smart Solutions is proud to share that he will be stepping in at the Homeless Services Center as interim executive director to assist in the search for the permanent director. Learn more! 
Smart Solutions Members in the Community: Practical Activism UCSC
Don Lane with Sammy the Slug at the UCSC Slug Parade & Expo. (Photo Credit: Howard Heevner)
Santa Cruz Mayor and Smart Solutions Chair Don Lane had a very busy weekend! After painting benches on West Cliff Drive for The Great Santa Cruz County Clean Up/Make a Difference Day Saturday morning, he joined dozens of UC Santa Cruz students on campus for their annual Practical Activism Conference. During one of the ten workshops, Don shared insights into local issues around homelessness and some of the many ways to get involved. Thank you Don for inspiring local students to put their commitment to a just society into action! To top off the weekend, Don was an integral part of the UCSC Slug Parade & Expo on Sunday (photo above).
Have You Signed the Petition to Help Save Winter Shelter?
On Tuesday, the Santa Cruz City Council approved a move to contribute $31,000 additional dollars to the North County Winter Shelter, bringing their total contribution to a substantial $111,000. Please consider acknowledging the Council for stepping up during these extraordinary circumstances.
While this is a significant gain, there are still tens of thousands of dollars needed to fill the gap. If you haven't already, consider signing the petition to ask the remaining jurisdictions to do their part.
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