Pajaro Valley Shelter Services
Self-Sufficient Families

December NEWS

Congratulations to Vanessa Quiroz-Carter!

Ms. Quiroz-Carter was recently sworn into her new role as Mayor of Watsonville by her mother, Sandra Quiroz-Carter. 
Vanessa, speaking at the recent Shelter to Home dinner, shared, “For many families in our community, having a safety net like PVSS is crucial, and in many cases can literally be the difference between life and death.”  We look forward to her leadership in 2024!

Emotional Stability
While in the Family Emergency Shelter, Ashley worked hard to create emotional stability by attending ACEs workshops and meeting regularly with the Emotional Stability Counselor. She's pictured here with her baby during one of his first overnight visits.

Today, Ashley and her baby are together full-time and living in stable housing. She has stable employment which allowed her to purchase a vehicle.
Stories like Ashley's are being made every day through PVSS programs.

Financial Stability
While living in PVSS housing, parents commit to a savings goal and work diligently to meet those goals. Through supportive case management and hard work, parents create a nest egg which goes with them when they move into stable housing.  Santa Cruz Community Credit Union brings financial education to the participants throughout the year. These classes and workshops are held at PVSS making it easier for parents to attend.

Housing Stability

Alexandra joined PVSS in 2019 with goals and dreams! She had an employment goal and dreams of homeownership. While in the Family Emergency Shelter, she secured a job with a local medical clinic and started saving money. During the pandemic, she feverishly saved her money, creating a nice down payment. In the fall of 2022, her dream of homeownership was realized when she received the keys to her new home. Others are following in her footsteps, saving money and preparing to be home owners.

Our Big Idea
Cabrillo College Student Housing Pilot Program
PVSS and Cabrillo College are teaming up to help unhoused female students and streamline educational opportunities for PVSS participants. Education and training are the keys to successful employment and housing stability.

Donate through Santa Cruz Gives

40th Annual Mother's Day Run
SUNDAY, MAY 12, 2024

Early Bird Registration Now Open!

This year we mark the 40th Anniversary of the Mother's Day Run and Walk. We will be celebrating all of you who have been with us for 40 years and welcoming those new to this beautiful community event. 
This holiday season, treat your loved one to a beautiful walk or run in the park!

Our Mission
PVSS provides families with a path to stable, self-sufficient futures through short- and longer-term housing and supportive services.

Our Vision
We envision a community where families have safe, secure, and stable housing with sufficient resources and space to plan for their futures and pursue happiness.

Our Values
Self-Empowerment, Dignity, and Compassion