the lives of our fellow community members, both now and in the future.” “One of the greatest strengths of the Friends of Cachagua Children’s Center is our ability to turn community support into meaningful opportunities for local children. Thanks to the generosity of the Community Fund for Carmel Valley, we have been able to enhance learning experiences, provide new educational materials and equipment, and create opportunities that would not otherwise be possible. These grants do far more than fund projects, they strengthen our community by investing in our youngest learners and helping ensure they have every opportunity to succeed.” -Jake Odello COMMUNITY HOMELESS SOLUTIONS Year Founded: 1978 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 68 paid, 70 volunteers Budget: $8,082,953 (831) 384-3388 communityhomelesssolutions.org BIG IDEA: In 2025, 304 of the 490 families and adults who enrolled in Community Homeless Solutions’ shelter programs transitioned into sustainable housing. But this Big Idea understands that a roof over your head is only the first step. An unhoused person may face chronic health threats from untreated infectious diseases or mental health and substance use disorders. The Housing, Health, Humanity (or Triple H) program at this nonprofit links housing and health care to boost the long-term outcomes for its clients. “Your services gave me a roof over my head while I was healing as well as the chance to look for permanent housing, which I have secured. I will be moving in [soon], and thank you one and all.” -Kenny Green COMMUNITY HUMAN SERVICES Year Founded: 1969 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 158 paid, 80 volunteers Budget: $19,000,000 (831) 658-3811 chservices.org BIG IDEA: Community Human Services faces a projected $4.86 million budget gap over the next three years. This calls for a Big Idea. As the operators of Shuman HeartHouse and Casa de Noche Buena, Community Human Services seeks $500,000 to sustain operations. Donations will support general operating expenses, including staffing costs, utilities, facility upkeep and case management. Your gift helps provide stability for the people who then support the most vulnerable members of our community. “I loved working. When a genetic health condition took that away from me, I eventually found myself living in my car. At my lowest point, I was bedridden and could barely take care of myself. A police officer encouraged me to contact Shuman HeartHouse. When they first called, I had to say no because I was not ready. So every day, I got up and tried to take a few steps with my walker. It was really, really hard, but I kept going. I got stronger and stronger. When Shuman HeartHouse called again, I knew I was ready. Walking through those doors changed my life. I am stronger and working toward a home of my own. Homelessness can make you feel dehumanized. Shuman HeartHouse helped me feel human again, and I feel blessed.” -Deborah E. 64 Monterey County GIVES! 2026 mcgives.com COMMUNITY & SOCIAL SERVICES DONATE ONLINE MCGIVES.COM “They empower communities to build safer, more resilient neighborhoods.” -Sherie Dodsworth, Fire Safe Council for Monterey County DOROTHY’S PLACE Year Founded: 1982 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 26 paid, 300 volunteers Budget: $3,764,991 (831) 757-3838 dorothysplace.org BIG IDEA: From egg salad sandwiches out of the back of a station wagon to serving 100,000 meals each year, Dorothy’s Place has grown in 44 years to meaningfully support people experiencing homelessness. The nonprofit provides four integrated programs that offer a welcoming entry point to greater stability by addressing transitional housing, hunger, economic independence and health care. This Big Idea supports those programs: Streets to Homes, House of Peace, SanaVida and Dorothy’s Kitchen, which serves 350 fresh meals every day. Dorothy’s Place leverages agricultural surplus and other community partnerships to transform the lives of thousands of Salinas residents each year. “Coming to the kitchen is more than a meal. You can get food, and if you need to talk, staff always listen.” -Ysidra, who has moved into her own apartment and volunteers in Dorothy’s Kitchen. SPOTLIGHT
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