AFC helps eliminate homelessness through interfaith action. Through a network of 40 faith communities, we shelter 200 individuals every year, with 40% moving to permanent housing. We also distribute more than 11,000 new socks and provide over 1,500 hot showers annually.
The hallmark of AFC’s programs has always been community. The heart of our work is bridging the gap between volunteers and participants so that all find belonging and a meaningful life of their choosing.
While solving homelessness can feel daunting, AFC’s Sheltering Programs offer a highly effective and sustainable solution. By leveraging the space and resources of local faith communities, we offer shelter and safe parking at a fraction of the cost of most shelters, under $25 per person per night. With 40 faith communities sharing the load, our staff can focus on case management. Last fiscal year, 48% of participants who utilized case management found permanent housing.
We strive toward a deeply humanizing experience for all. Participants access meals, showers, laundry, case management, and a wide network of volunteers. Volunteers broaden their perspectives and give back by sharing time, meals and conversations. While it can seem like local resources are scarce, AFC’s network of volunteers and staff show how much we can do when all chip in.
Please help meet our goal of 2,000 nights of shelter or safe parking that include meals, laundry, showers and case management.
Gifts came in many ways and on many levels. Sometimes those were physical gifts. Other times they were a word of comfort, a prayer or listening ear. The most impactful thing was that each gift let us know that others had us in their minds.
Anonymous, Santa Cruz, 80
