Homelessness has become ubiquitous in our community. We are tremendously concerned and many of us are seeking answers. We see homelessness increasing and want to support a way to help individuals rise from dire straits. We understand that providing housing is one part of the solution. Other components include counseling, education, health services, drug treatment, long term care for the seriously mentally ill, etc.

As the problem increases so does our awareness. Take a look at what the Association of Faith Communities does. If you like what they do and want to donate to their cause, learn about what your donation supports here.

The United Methodist Church of Santa Cruz is hosting a benefit concert for The Association of Faith Communities, in the First Annual Concert To End Homelessness on Saturday, May 6th. The AFC are now in their 10th year as a local Santa Cruz nonprofit serving the unhoused through their Faith Community Shelter program, Safe Spaces Parking program, and Shower Trailer program.

Concert doors open at 6:30PM, show starts at 7pm and goes ’til 9pm, with one 20 minute intermission (with refreshments). Local musicians and singer-songwriters are donating their talents, featuring Jazz the Dog, Joe Chaplain, Madrigal & Strange, Colin Hannon, Nick Royal, Linc Russin + Special Guests!

Tickets are $25 in advance, $35 at the door. Mask optional. All donations including ticket purchases are 100% tax-deductible.

Let's reach deeply into our own experiences about who or what made a difference, helped us get back on your feet, after receiving a knockout that shook our confidence. How would that apply to successfully helping our homeless?

Meanwhile, let's appreciate being in our homes with our families --for family and the love, nurturing, support and security it affords us is the foundation of our nation, and a strong nation can help its less fortunate. Parmalee

This year will be the first time in 23 years that I won’t spend Mother's Day with at least one child in my home. My youngest child is away at college, and my oldest is traveling with a friend (With what money? I don’t know, but that’s a topic for another article.). It’s bittersweet. When my kids were younger and I was an exhausted parent, the only thing I wanted for Mother’s Day was the chance to sleep in and have a break from parenting duties for the day. Now that they’re older and more independent, I would cherish the chance to be woken up by their smiling faces and spend the day with them. But I’m reminded of how overwhelmed and exhausted I felt (still feel sometimes) as a parent juggling family, work, and life – and how important self-care is to prevent burnout and create physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

Dear Nicole, I don’t have a question but would appreciate any tips or supportive words. I’m exhausted and running on empty. Dealing with the pandemic and mental and behavioral challenges at home and work has burned me out. I’m losing my patience with my toddler and tween-ager even more than usual and then end up feeling terrible. I feel alone and overwhelmed. I’m not the only one, right?   Carly

Dear Carly, You’re definitely not the only one! It takes enormous physical, mental, and emotional energy to be a positive parent. It’s hard to find that energy on a “regular” day, and it’s been very challenging for many parents and caregivers who have dealt with one emergency after another the last few years. It's natural and common to feel exhausted and overwhelmed, and you are not alone. Here are some tips and supportive words for you (and others who feel the same way) > > >