Human Services provides state and federally funded services and supports to residents. We do not act as an extension of federal law enforcement agencies. We provide key resources and support to all residents - regardless of housing, employment, or immigration status, racial or gender identity, ethnicity, physical or mental ability, sexual orientation or religion - who need access to critical social safety net services that support their overall well-being and ability to thrive. This commitment is central to our mission and is in alignment with the County’s strategic plan.

Protecting Communities

Many in our community are concerned about accessing critical government, health care, or social safety net services to support their overall health, well-being, and ability to thrive. The County of Santa Cruz is working to protect and support vulnerable residents through several initiatives. The Human Services Department is proud to support this effort by County officials, and provide you with access to information on the following issues of community concern:

TENANT PROTECTIONS
IMMIGRATION RESOURCES
LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY RESOURCES
REPRODUCTIVE CARE
REMOTE ACCESS TO BENEFITS AND TELEHEALTH
GUIDANCE TO NONPROFITS IN RESPONSE TO FEDERAL ACTIONS

Scan the QR Code above or click the button below to learn more.

Access 1

Resources for Refugees

Below is a list of resources available to refugees in our county:

Santa Cruz County Immigration Project (SCCIP): Providing professional legal services, advocacy, and community education and information for immigrants and refugees.
Santa Cruz Welcoming Network: A community network dedicated to welcoming and supporting asylum seekers and other refugees.
Refugee Cash Assistance Program: A County administered cash assistance program for qualifying and eligible refugees who are not otherwise eligible for any other cash aid due to immigration status.
Santa Cruz METRO: Learn what public transportation is available to you for daily, weekly and monthly bus fares, including discounted fares.
Women, Infants & Children Program: Food assistance for families who are expecting or have children under age 5, and whose earnings are below 185% of the Federal Poverty level
California Food Assistance Program (CFAP): Food assistance for qualified non-citizens who do not qualify for federal SNAP benefits, called CalFresh in California.
Grey Bears: very low income food distribution to people 55 years or older, with no immigration status requirement to qualify.
Watsonville/Aptos/Santa Cruz Adult School: Offering adult basic and secondary education, career tech education support, as well as English learner language courses.
Day Worker Center: A program assisting local day laborers, including immigrants, to secure safe employment, develop job skills, improve wages, and engage in our community.
Watsonville Law Center: Providing free legal services to low-income individuals, including immigrants and refugees, on California’s Central Coast.
Salud Para La Gente: Providing clinic-based health care for people regardless of immigration status, including dental care, vision care, prenatal care, pediatrics, counseling and health insurance assistance
Santa Cruz Community Health Centers: Providing clinic-based health care for pediatrics, women’s health, prenatal care, counseling, chiropractics and acupuncture.
Dientes Community Dental: Providing low and no-cost dental care, regardless of immigration status or ability to pay.
Families in Transition: Housing support services for unhoused families and youth in Santa Cruz County - with some program opportunities available to asylees/refugees.