because they helped with the necessities that I needed for my babies and helped me learn more about being a parent at a young age. I enjoyed the time that the advocate dedicated to me to support me and my family. I had the opportunity to finish school and take care of my babies.” -Irieana HOLDING ON TO HOPE Year Founded: 2024 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 0 paid, 11 volunteers Budget: $222,000 (831) 385-8330 holdingontohopefjc.org BIG IDEA: Holding on to Hope has identified the need for a Salinas Family Justice Center, which would be the second such center in Monterey County. These centers provide a supportive resource hub for victims of violence like domestic violence, child abuse, human trafficking and elder abuse, in a place where survivor-centered services are in urgent need. This Big Idea is a multi-year project and seeks donations for the initial phases of its plan, including assessing the site of the future center, inspecting for asbestos and lead, and establishing insurance. “We need the ability to go to one place when we need help. We do not know who you are, what you do, or how to get to you. Brochures are nice but we need you to be our brochure.” -Anonymous survivor HOUSING FOR SCHOOL KIDS Year Founded: 2022 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 1 paid, 7 volunteers Budget: $370,000 (831) 375-9712 cfmco.org BIG IDEA: For the 2024-2025 school year, 13,493 public school kids in Monterey County were homeless. This represents 18.5 percent of students, a figure that has increased every year for four years. Housing for School Kids grant funds provide rental assistance for families of homeless students. This assistance may be money toward a security deposit and up-front apartment costs or emergency help to avoid eviction. This Big Idea has a big goal: $400,000 to meet the need. “We are truly thankful for the wonderful help Housing for School Kids has provided for myself, my husband and my children. We were all living in a room that we rented and now we finally have our own kitchen, bathroom and space to feel safe and sleep well at night. Thank you all so much.” -Angela Ruiz (translated from Spanish by the Monterey County Office of Education) THE HOUSING RESOURCE CENTER Year Founded: 1984 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 16 paid, 10 volunteers Budget: $3,767,563 (831) 424-9186 hrcmontereycounty.org BIG IDEA: The Housing Resource Center is facing a 43 percent reduction in state funding, therefore threatening more than 1,000 people who receive assistance from its Big Idea programs. In 2025, this nonprofit distributed $1.9 million for housing needs like rent, security deposits and application fees, resulting in 406 stable housing placements. Currently, HRC can help provide housing stability for all enrollees. But without additional community support, they will no longer be able to bridge the gap for day-to-day expenses not paid by government contracts. “Receiving that call from HRC felt like a blessing and a true turning point in our lives...HRC stepped in with kindness and compassion. They helped 72 Monterey County GIVES! 2026 mcgives.com COMMUNITY & SOCIAL SERVICES DONATE ONLINE MCGIVES.COM MONTEREY PRIDE Year Founded: 2017 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 0 paid, 75 volunteers Budget: $70,000 (831) 312-8675 peninsulapride.org BIG IDEA: Throughout the year, Monterey Pride hosts events and builds partnerships across the county to expand support for the LGBTQ+ community. Most will probably recognize this nonprofit’s Big Idea: its huge annual Pride celebration, featuring musicians, artisans, drag performers, dozens of booths sharing inclusive local resources and a scholarship ceremony honoring queer youth. Throwing a big Pride party for 6,000 guests isn’t cheap; donations support this organization’s year-round efforts to promote acceptance and the annual culminating event. “Monterey Pride is one of the most moving and joyful experiences in Monterey. It’s hard to put into words what it feels like to be visibly supported, especially now, when so much of the world feels hostile to our existence. To see local officials, community leaders and small businesses all showing up and leaning into the theme ‘Be Queer Here’ made me feel safe, proud and deeply seen. Singing along with the drag queens and kings who bring such energy and artistry to the stage, and watching Custom House Plaza fill with people dancing, cheering and celebrating who we are—it reminds me exactly why having Pride here matters.” -Mandy Owen SPOTLIGHT “Being part of this work has opened my eyes to the power of culturally rooted healing.” -Student, The Village Project
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