Community Bridges Urges Tenants, Landlords Affected by COVID-19 to Apply Now for Rent Relief

Santa Cruz County, CA — Unless something changes, state eviction protections will expire on June 30. Community Bridges is urging Santa Cruz County residents who are behind on their rent, or landlords with tenants who need assistance, to apply as quickly as possible for California COVID-19 Rent Relief at HousingIsKey.com or by calling toll-free 833-430-2122. Rent relief is available to income-eligible renters who suffered a financial hardship because of COVID-19.

“Community Bridges’ Family Resource Center staff is standing by to assist Santa Cruz County renters and landlords who have been impacted by Covid-19 related to job losses, or underemployment,” said Ray Cancino, CEO of Community Bridges. “There are over 6,348 Santa Cruz County households according to a recent study who are currently behind on their rent and current at risk of eviction. So far only a few hundred have applied for assistance.”

The Housing Is Key website was recently translated into Spanish, simplified Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese and Tagalog, and has been made easier to use from a mobile device. And the application itself has been made much easier to complete.

Santa Cruz County was allocated $16 million in Rent Relief funding and the majority of the available funding is still available. If you need assistance in filling out the rent relief application, please call our housing support line to learn more about the program at (831) 219-8607, or visit communitybridges.org/Covid19.

ABOUT COMMUNITY BRIDGES

Community Bridges envisions a thriving community where every person has the opportunity to unleash their full potential. Together, our family of programs delivers essential services, provides equitable access to resources, and advocates for health and dignity across every stage of life. To learn more, please visit www.communitybridges.org.

The Community Bridges family of programs includes the Child & Adult Care Food Program, Child Development Division, Women, Infants and Children (WIC), La Manzana Community Resources, Live Oak Community Resources, Mountain Community Resources, Nueva Vista Community Resources, Elderday Adult Day Health Care, Lift Line and Meals on Wheels for Santa Cruz County.

Contact: Jayme Ackemann
(831) 278-1251
jaymea@cbridges.org

We honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. His unwavering commitment to advocacy, education, and service in the pursuit of justice and equality continues to inspire us to take action.While progress has been made, there is still important work ahead to achieve true equity in the United States and beyond. We remain committed to speaking out against injustice and standing together for a more just future.In observance of Dr. King’s legacy, our offices will be closed on Monday, 1/19. ... See MoreSee Less
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🌟 Join us in celebrating the newest additions to our Community Bridges family—Elizabeth and Nelida! We’re excited to welcome them as they bring fresh energy, positivity, and passion to our programs.Interested in joining our team too? Check out our open positions at communitybridges.org/careers. ... See MoreSee Less
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Meals on Wheels Santa Cruz County is delivering 30% more meals today than we did pre-COVID—and this isn’t a short-term trend. For many older adults, the rising cost of food, housing, and basic necessities has collided with fixed incomes and increasing isolation. That means more seniors are depending on Meals on Wheels not only for nutrition, but for the safety check, reassurance, and human connection that comes with every delivery.This is the reality in Santa Cruz County: the need is growing, and our community is stepping up. But local programs can’t carry this alone. Federal leadership is essential to protect and expand senior nutrition—especially as funding decisions approach.Read and share our op-ed to understand what’s at stake and why Congress must act to protect this lifeline for older adults: www.santacruzsentinel.com/2026/01/07/guest-commentary-a-funding-freeze-would-put-seniors-at-risk-...#MealsOnWheels #SantaCruzCounty #SantaCruz #SeniorNutrition #InvestInSeniors #AgingWithDignity #CommunityCare #NeighborsHelpingNeighbors #EndSeniorHunger ... See MoreSee Less
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Community Bridges / Puentes De La Comunidad
We’re incredibly grateful to Caroline's Non Profit Thrift Shop for a generous $25,000 donation that’s helping us expand mental health outreach and strengthen family support across all four Family Resource Collective sites.This support means expanded sliding-scale counseling and psychoeducation groups for youth, parents, and caregivers—creating space for healing, growth, and connection.Because of partners like Caroline’s Thrift, families can access trauma-informed, culturally responsive care before challenges turn into crises. That’s the power of prevention and the heart of a strong community.Caroline’s Thrift is a true cornerstone of Santa Cruz County, fundraising every day to support children and families. We’re grateful to be part of this circle of care. 💚Be sure to visit them in Aptos to shop or donate and support local causes! carolinesnonprofit.org/ ... See MoreSee Less
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50th Anniversary Meals on Wheels for Santa Cruz County - Community Bridges / Puentes de la Communidad logo

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Join us at Food From the Heart to honor this legacy and support the future of senior care.

50th Anniversary Meals on Wheels for Santa Cruz County - Community Bridges / Puentes de la Communidad logo

Celebrating 50 Years of Support

Join us at Food From the Heart to honor this legacy and support the future of senior care.

Every Family Needs a Plan

Urge the Attorney General to adopt California’s Childcare Safety Plan.

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