The Impact of Housing Support

We have been working closely with the De Jesus Ramirez family since August 2025. The reason this particular family was referred to us was due to their housing needs. The family works in the agriculture industry here in Monterey County, and one of their students is currently attending a school with the Special Education department at the Monterey County Office of Education. The family was working with us and requesting assistance with housing transition and navigation services so that they would be able to provide adequate housing. The family applied to some low income housing in Greenfield and was approved. We were able to support them financially, and we also gathered some furniture: dining chairs, table, mattresses, through donations from our current staff members as well as the Salvation Army. The family was truly thankful for this help. I remember when I did a home visit once they were housed; there was zero furniture in the apartment and there was only one chair and the mom extended it to us to be able to sit and complete the intake assessment. Even though this family seems to not have much, they are willing to lend a hand and put others first before themselves. This is a great example of the many families that greatly benefit from your donations and program overall.

The family, Salazar Martinez, is one we have been working closely with since April of 2025. Dimer Salazar, the father, is employed in agriculture in Monterey County. The family resides in Watsonville, and we received their referral through North Monterety County Unified School District. They were seeking Housing Transition and Navigation services through the Monterey County Office of Education, Connections Program. The family was able to receive Community Supports (housing) services because program funding was available through Housing for School Kids. This funding distinguishes our program from other programs in the region and allows us to provide direct housing assistance. For nearly eight months, the family applied to numerous apartment complexes, homes, and rental properties that could accommodate their family size. Eventually, they secured a rental home in Watsonville. They contacted me and submitted all required documentation to determine eligibility for financial assistance. We were able to provide assistance with the first month’s rent and deposit. They were housed right before the holidays.

The Nedilko family came to the United States from Ukraine a couple of years ago, seeking safety and stability. For the past two years, they have been living with a family member while working toward a more permanent place of their own. The Nedilko family was able to secure their own housing in March of 2026 with financial assistance from Housing for School Kids. The family has expressed immense gratitude to the program for helping them secure housing, an important step forward in their lives after so much change and loss.