Housing Matters in Santa Cruz, California, works to solve a complex and pressing challenge for the community. With its picturesque coastal location and vibrant atmosphere, Santa Cruz has long been an attractive place to live, attracting residents and tourists alike. However, the city faces a significant housing affordability crisis, driven by a combination of limited housing supply, high demand, and escalating real estate prices. This situation has led to a scarcity of affordable housing options, causing many residents to struggle with rising rent and housing costs. The issue is further compounded by the presence of a large student population attending the University of California, Santa Cruz, which places additional strain on the housing market. In 2018 my team rebranded Housing Matters from its previous name: Homeless Services Center. The word homeless is a stigma in Santa Cruz County.
