Head Start supports the whole family, and we know every family’s needs are different. We want to connect you with trusted local resources for food, housing, health care, jobs, and other basic needs.
If you ever need help or have questions, please reach out to your Family Advocate or program staff—we’re here to help you reach your goals.
Santa Cruz Community Resources
- Santa Cruz County Human Services Department – Benefits & Assistance
Central county agency administering CalFresh (SNAP), Medi-Cal, CalWORKs, General Assistance, child care support, and adult/family services. https://santacruzhumanservices.org/
- CalFresh (California SNAP) – Food Assistance
Provides monthly food benefits for income‑eligible individuals and families. Apply online, by phone, or at county offices in Santa Cruz or Watsonville. CalFresh Website
- WIC – Women, Infants & Children Nutrition Program
Offers healthy food benefits, breastfeeding support, and nutrition education for pregnant/postpartum individuals, infants, and children under age 5. https://santacruzhumanservices.org/
- Employment Services – Workforce Santa Cruz County (WFSCC)
Provides job search assistance, skills training, unemployment support, and employer services through county Human Services. https://santacruzhumanservices.org/EmploymentBenefits
- Early Intervention & Children’s Services
Family & Children’s Services supports early intervention, child welfare prevention, mandated reporter training, and community early support partnerships. https://santacruzhumanservices.org/
- Housing for Health (Homelessness & Housing Support)
County program offering coordinated entry, shelter referrals, rental assistance, and housing stabilization services. https://santacruzhumanservices.org/HousingforHealth
- First 5 Santa Cruz County – Early Care & Education Initiatives
Supports early literacy, family engagement, educator training, and quality improvement through programs like Raising a Reader, Quality Counts, and SEEDS of Learning™. https://www.first5scc.org/early-care-and-education
