The Collective of Results and Evidence-based (CORE) Investments is a funding model and a movement to achieve equitable health and well-being in Santa Cruz County, using a collective impact, results-based approach that is responsive to community needs. CORE Investments within the City and County represent a shared commitment to promote the health and well-being necessary for all county residents to thrive.
The County and City of Santa Cruz, California invite applications based on the Collective of Results and Evidence-based (CORE) Investments model to impact the community’s equitable well-being as described in the CORE framework. Both the County and the City of Santa Cruz are investing significant local dollars, with the County intending to award approximately $4.8 million per year and the City of Santa Cruz to award approximately $1 million per year for three years, beginning on July 1, 2022. Funds are to focus on improving conditions of well-being for community members experiencing the greatest challenges and barriers in the County, as referenced in Request for Proposals (RFP) # HSD1-2021 to be released November 16, 2021. More information can be found HERE.
California COVID-19 RENT RELIEF
The California COVID-19 Rent Relief program, which is administered by the California Housing and Community Development Department, launched on Monday, March 15th. See the County of Santa Cruz press release for additional information. This program can assist tenants who have unpaid rent with up to 1 year of relief, does not jeopardize other federal or state benefits, and will initially prioritize individuals with incomes below 50% of area median income. Both tenants and landlords can apply and the application portal is live. Applicants may apply by visiting HousingIsKey.com. Assistance is also available by calling 1-833-430-2122 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. daily. Applications and assistance are available in multiple languages.
Applying for Benefits During COVID-19
We understand your medical needs and food assistance is a priority for you and your family. To assist you in applying for public assistance benefits such as CalFresh, Medi-Cal, General Assistance, or CalWORKs, we developed the following guides:
EBSD Guide to Benefits - English (PDF, 459 KB)
EBSD Guide to Benefits - Spanish (PDF, 483 KB)
Out of an abundance of caution, and in response to the recommendations from Public Health Officials to prevent the spread of COVID-19, Santa Cruz County Employment & Benefit Services walk-in customer service centers at 18W. Beach St., Watsonville and 1020 Emeline Ave., Santa Cruz are modifying office operations to limit unnecessary Face-to-Face contact. Customers are being asked to conduct business by phone or electronically when possible.
While visiting our offices, residents will be asked to wear face coverings and maintain physical distancing and should stay home if they have been sick or have a fever. Medical screening may occur at some buildings. Residents should also expect limits on the number of persons in lobbies, protective screens at public counters, additional signage, and other measures to protect the health and safety of residents and staff.
All essential services continue to be provided by phone, online and by mail, while access to the walk-in service centers will be limited, in order to promote social distancing. Nearly all benefit services for Medi-Cal, CalFresh, CalWORKs, General Assistance are available remotely by mail, phone or online through the following access points:
Electronically: Mybenefitscalwin.org Mysantacruzcounty mobile app Getcalfresh.org
Phone: 1-888-421-8080 Mail: P.O. Box 1320, Santa Cruz CA 95061
IMPORTANT: During the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE), Medi-Cal beneficiaries have stayed enrolled in the program. If your contact information or household circumstances have changed, please update your information today by contacting your local county office at 1-888-421-8080. This may help you keep your Medi-Cal coverage after the end of the COVID-19 PHE.