Santa Cruz nonprofits face funding cuts amid community crisis

During a recent Santa Cruz City Council meeting, community leaders and advocates voiced urgent concerns regarding funding allocations for essential local programs, particularly in the areas of childcare, youth services, and support for marginalized communities.

Laurie Egan, executive director of the Coastal Watershed Council, highlighted the importance of the Watershed Rangers program, which provides environmental education to elementary-aged youth in Santa Cruz. Egan urged the council to consider a combination of funding options to support multiple programs, including the Boys and Girls Club and the Santa Cruz Toddler Care Center, emphasizing the need for continued operational funding to avoid program closures.

Alicia Riley, an epidemiologist and mother, stressed the critical importance of early childhood education, citing research that shows significant long-term benefits from investing in programs for children aged 0 to 3. She warned against the ongoing defunding of childcare services, which she described as a \"gem\" in the community.

Joshua Patstone from Santa Cruz Barrios Unidos and Carol Sapp echoed the need for support for marginalized communities, emphasizing their organization's role in providing wraparound services to at-risk youth. They expressed frustration over the lack of funding despite their longstanding presence and service to the community.

Julie, executive director of the Walnut Avenue Family and Women's Center, pointed out the severe shortage of subsidized childcare slots in Santa Cruz County, which leaves many low-income families struggling to find affordable care. She urged the council to prioritize funding for childcare as a matter of equity.

Catherine McCormick from Monarch Services called for a delay in the vote on core funding, highlighting the potential loss of critical therapy services for survivors of sexual violence if funding is not secured.

The meeting also saw calls for support for LGBTQ+ services, with representatives from the Diversity Center advocating for funding to maintain their vital community resources.

In response to the concerns raised, the council discussed the challenges of limited resources and the need for a more transparent and effective funding process. A motion was proposed to allocate discretionary funds to several organizations, including the Boys and Girls Club and the Santa Cruz Toddler Care Center, while also exploring additional funding sources for other critical services.

Council members acknowledged the emotional weight of the discussions, recognizing the real-world implications of funding cuts on vulnerable populations. The meeting underscored the ongoing struggle to balance community needs with available resources, as advocates called for a more equitable approach to funding essential services in Santa Cruz.