52 Monterey County GIVES! 2024 mcgives.com Community & Social Services DONate online mcgives.com Dorothy’s Place Year Founded: 1982 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 32 paid, 200 volunteers Budget: $3,620,940 757-3838 dorothysplace.org Big Idea: Dorothy’s Place reports that unsheltered homelessness surged by more than 10 percent last year and the nonprofit has nearly 200 individuals in case management. The demand is rising and resources are insufficient. Donations through Monterey County Gives! will help Dorothy’s Place launch a Big Idea—a pilot interim supportive housing project to provide safe, temporary housing with access to meals and hygiene services. Similar projects implemented by this nonprofit have transitioned clients to permanent housing at a 74-percent success rate. “The workers here are very attentive; the personal touch and care are felt from step one.” -Zeek Taganashi Fire Safe Council For Monterey County Year Founded: 2001 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 1 paid, 21 volunteers Budget: $285,000 (914) 409-8050 firesafemonterey.org Big Idea: Fire Safe Council For Monterey County is on a mission to educate residents on the unique fire risks associated with living in this region. In addition to awareness on the impact of drought and overgrown vegetation, this nonprofit educates residents about wildfire prevention, secures funding for fire prevention, advocates for wildfire-related policies with lawmakers and participates in long-term planning to reduce wildfire risk. These advocates work on the nonprofit’s behalf for the Big Idea of becoming a more fire-resilient community. “In 2023, our Firewise community received a grant from PG&E to do fuel reduction at the entrance to our residences. The result inspired me to undertake some significant clearance along my own section of roadside. I worked with my gardeners to cut back dead brush, significantly limb up the pines and create a clean understory near the road. The result of this effort should be a much safer passageway for anyone during an emergency—and it looks really good too! Our HOA board also felt inspired to continue with the progress the PG&E grant started. Our community is asking all homeowners to reduce the fuel load along their portion of the road. To support that effort, the board has agreed to fund a Chipper Day later this year. We are so grateful to the FSCMC and PG&E for making our community safer for everyone.” -Judy Tschirgi Friends of the Carmel Valley Library Year Founded: 1980 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 0 paid, 8 volunteers Budget: $23,900 647-7760 focvl.org Big Idea: For needs beyond the Carmel Valley branch of Monterey County Free Libraries’ budget, the branch turns to Friends of the Carmel Valley Library for help. This organization funds additional community services and experiences to further enrich the lives of community members. The popular First Saturday speaker series, technique books for the library’s budding chess club and improvements to the patio—including an upcoming mural—are all made possible because of FCVL’s Big Idea to support this central touchpoint in Carmel Valley Village. “The Carmel Valley library holds a special place in my heart. It is a building with a colorful history turned into a library and community hub. I spent countless hours with my daughter combing the shelves for books, participating in fun programming, and adult time at the First Saturday series. It is with great joy that I have the opportunity to serve on the Friends board, giving back to this wonderful place.” -Lisa Allison Habitat for Humanity Monterey Bay Year Founded: 1989 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 23 paid, 616 volunteers Budget: $2,467,650 469-4663 habitatmontereybay.com Big Idea: Habitat for Humanity Monterey Bay has big things planned for the next three years. The nonprofit’s Big Idea includes expanding its capacity for construction projects in Monterey County to more closely mirror the size and impact of Habitat’s work in Santa Cruz. Donations will help support adding a full-time volunteer manager and construction manager to the team, with the goal to bring the Habitat model of home ownership to more families in Monterey County. “My biggest fear had always been having to move out of the area, away from Brian’s doctors, caregivers and support network. Getting our Habitat home meant never having to make that difficult decision. It has brought such incredible peace of mind and a sense of security.” -Veronica Hart spotlight “This program helped my daughter and me at a time when we had nowhere else to go.” -E.J., Community Homeless Solutions
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