Residents Invited To House Homeless Youth In Santa Cruz County

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, CA — The nonprofit Bill Wilson Center—which serves youth and families through counseling, housing, education and advocacy—is in Santa Cruz this week asking local residents to open their homes to help end youth homelessness. BWC's Host Home Program/Shared Housing Program partners young people experiencing housing instability with host homes, and the organization is looking for adult volunteers who are interested in providing housing—for up to six months—for youth.

The program is designed to allow youth to live independently, attend school, and work within their home communities. Youth will have a private bedroom within the host’s home and receive case management, support and referrals through BWC. In return, training and support for hosts is offered by BWC.

If you can be a part of the solution, join the Bill Wilson Center for an informational session on host homes. Two dates are being offered this week:

Tuesday 6-8 p.m., Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History, 705 Front St.

Thursday 6-8 p.m., Santa Cruz Public Library, 224 Church St.