Storytelling event aims to build, sustain and celebrate a culture of compassion within the context of resolving homelessness in Santa Cruz County
SANTA CRUZ, CA — March 5, 2025 — Housing Matters will host Picture This: Cultivating Our Compassionate Community, a curated storytelling event highlighting diverse perspectives on building a compassionate community to work toward resolving homelessness in Santa Cruz County. The event will be at Hotel Paradox in Santa Cruz on Sunday, March 30.
Presenters include community leaders and individuals with lived experience using storytelling and personal insights to explore the themes of equity, shared responsibility and courage in advancing solutions.
“Storytelling is a powerful way to understand each other’s experiences that shape how we interact and engage in the world around us,” said Mer Stafford, Chief Impact Officer at Housing Matters. “By building compassion within our community through sharing personal narratives, we want to inspire everyone to take action by contributing to housing justice for all.”
Emceed by Housing Matters Speakers Bureau members China Clark and Chris Field, the event will feature eight presenters:
- Bella Bonner, Founder/Executive Director of Black Surf Santa Cruz
- Gina Castaneda, Santa Cruz County Deputy Probation Officer
- Tenzin Chogkyi, Compassion Educator
- MariaElena De La Garza, CEO, Community Action Board
- Edward Estrada, Supportive Services for Veteran Families Program Manager, Housing Matters
- Curtis Reliford, Founder of Follow Your Heart Action Network
- Heather Rodgers, Public Defender of Santa Cruz County
- Donnie Veal, Program Coordinator of the Rising Scholars program at Cabrillo College
Picture This aims to inspire audience members to contribute to housing justice through compassionate action. Audience members will discover their role in creating a community where everyone can thrive.
The event begins at 5 p.m. with a reception featuring live music by Anthony Steinberg, Direct Services Coordinator at Housing Matters, a cash bar and light snacks. The program begins at 6 p.m. To learn more about the presenter lineup, visit the event page.
General admission tickets are $30/person. Group and student discounts are available. Advance tickets can be purchased on the Housing Matters website, and there will be a small number of tickets available for purchase at the door. All proceeds from the event directly support the Housing Matters programs and services that help hundreds of people in Santa Cruz County find stable housing each year.
Event sponsorship opportunities are available. Please reach out to Mer Stafford for details: mstafford@housingmatterssc.org.
About Housing Matters
Housing Matters partners with individuals and families to create pathways out of their homelessness into permanent housing. Housing Matters offers housing support services and case management as well as emergency shelter and direct services — including hot showers, public bathrooms, and a mailroom — to people experiencing homelessness. Our case management and housing navigation services help end homelessness for hundreds of individuals and their families every year. Learn more at www.housingmatterssc.org or connect with us on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn.
