Speakers

CJ King, Administrative Coordinator for People First, will offer an eye-opening look at homelessness in Santa Cruz County. Attendees can expect to hear personal stories that challenge common stereotypes and highlight how homelessness impacts people from all walks of life, including veterans, professionals, parents, and longtime community members.

The talk will discuss what it means to be unhoused, explore the systemic factors contributing to housing instability, and address common misconceptions with compassion and honesty. Notably, there will be an inside look at the work People First does day in and day out to support unhoused neighbors, including resource guides, safe parking initiatives, emergency weather shelters, outreach-based case management, and 24/7 shelter operations.

More than an informational session, this presentation will be a call to connection and action, inviting attendees to see their unhoused neighbors through a lens of dignity, humanity, and shared responsibility, and to explore ways they can become part of meaningful, community-driven solutions.