Housing Matters - Santa Cruz, California

Charlie

Some of the staff are very kind and helpful but Sam in particular was horrible dealing with. Sam displayed a level of callousness and disregard that was not only unprofessional, but also dehumanizing. I reached out with genuine concerns and urgent needs related to my housing situation, only to be dismissed without empathy or assistance.

Sam repeatedly ignored and brushed off my calls, and when I was finally able to speak with them, their attitude was cold, abrupt, and lacking even the most basic courtesy or concern. I was met with indifference instead of support, and their tone made it clear that I was being treated as a burden, not as a human being in crisis.

Shelters are supposed to be a place of refuge and dignity for people in their most vulnerable moments. Being treated with such unkindness only adds to the trauma of being unhoused. It’s especially harmful when someone in a position of power uses that role to dismiss people who have nowhere else to turn.

I hope this review is taken seriously. No one seeking shelter should be met with cruelty or disregard. I urge management to re-evaluate the training, supervision, and accountability of staff members who interact with the public.

Cry F.

*Update: NOTHING has changed! And it most likely will never change! Nobody wants to be the only one pointing fingers, so they just keep their mouth's shut.*
I wish I could give a ZERO star rating. This place is a flipping joke! Most of the security people are decent, but a good few of them are power hungry uppity-ups. The Day Services employees either HATE anyone who needs the services, or they HATE their job, or they HATE themselves for doing their job. The employees are given explicit instructions on exactly how to NOT give assistance to the Day Services clientele, but without it seeming like they're NOT helping! It's really very DISTURBING, DISGUSTING, and DEPLORABLE!! Not to mention DEGRADING and DISHONEST!!! Most of the Day Services employees are pocketing almost ALL of the good or decent donations before any of the clients even have a chance to ask for any of it! This place and the higher up are just wrong and the BS needs to be STOPPED!!! IMMEDIATELY!!!

Alex R.

The worst type of nonprofit just paying themselves hella Skrill and snagging all the best donations for themselves stealing homeless people's things bikes etc and slow playing us for housing

Amanda S.

It is a great place to receive help and find different programs to fulfill your needs. You can get medical help, housing or even help with recovery. It's really great the only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because there are drugs in the area and all the people around the area bring it down. If you're a recovering addict like myself and my husband it really tests you each and everyday. So if you're not really strong in your recovery then I would steer clear and if you are and are having a bad day stay away. If you're looking for that start or opportunity to change your life here is the best place to start.

Travis ?. W.

Very helpful place to get you on your feet again!

Cory A.

I wonder sometimes what is more dear to Housing Matter's site supervisor's heart. (That would be Evan Simpson by the way.) Is it a generalized presumption of a homeless person's time or her and the maintenance guy's daily schedule? Along with her "I went to college so I know better" character I would presume it's a paycheck. Come on. This place can become a leader in helping people but as of now is apparently stuck with a person who would be more suited to manage a 7-11.

Troy M.

Hmmm well they do help unhoused ppl alot. Some staff are okay. I think it's about the money not helping anymore.

Paula R.

I changed my mind on they don't help nobody they pick whoever they want and disgusting the showers are all right