activities · 28
what they do
direct service · 25
- After-School and Summer Academic Programs After-School Youth Development ProgramsRuns After School and Summer Academy programs supporting academic, social-emotional, and leadership development for low-income Latino students in grades K–8. Provides individualized academic work plans to help students achieve grade-level or higher performance, and operates a full-day summer camp for grades 3–6 focused on continued academic and personal growth.
- After-School and Summer Academic Programs After-School Youth Development ProgramsOperates After School and Summer Academy programs for low-income Latino students in grades K–8, focusing on academic, social-emotional, and leadership development. Provides individualized academic work plans to help students achieve grade-level or higher performance, and runs a full-day summer camp for grades 3–6 with continued academic and personal development support.
- Clothing Assistance Program Emergency Supply DistributionOperates a Clothes Closet that allows families to receive up to 5 free clothing items per person, twice per month.
- Community Computer Lab Digital Literacy Support for Job SeekersOperates a computer lab providing free access to technology and resources for community members to apply for public benefits, jobs, and print documents.
- Community Technology Access Digital Literacy Support for Job SeekersOperates a computer lab offering free access to technology and resources for community members to apply for public benefits, search for jobs, and print documents. Includes one-on-one computer training for job seekers.
- Community Technology Access and Support Digital Literacy Support for Job SeekersOperates a computer lab offering free access to technology and resources for community members to apply for public benefits, search for jobs, and print documents, including one-on-one computer training for job seekers.
- Early Childhood and K-8 Education ProgramsOperates an early childhood education program for children ages 1-3 and their parents, meeting four days per week for nine months, with concurrent parenting support and pre-kindergarten classes. Also runs After School and Summer Academy programs for low-income Latino students in grades K-8, providing individualized academic work plans and focusing on academic, social-emotional, and leadership development.
- Early Childhood and Parenting Education Child Care & Early Learning ProgramsOperates an early childhood education program for children ages 1–3 with concurrent parenting support, meeting four days per week for nine months. Delivers a six-class parenting curriculum based on the Safe, Secure, Loved model for mothers of infants ages 0–3, focusing on kindergarten readiness, home-based reading, and personal safety awareness.
- Early Childhood and Parenting Support ProgramsOperates an early childhood education program for children ages 1–3, meeting four days per week for nine months, with concurrent parenting support and pre-kindergarten classes. Includes a six-class parenting program based on the Safe, Secure, Loved curriculum for mothers of infants 0–3, and promotes kindergarten readiness, home-based reading, and personal safety awareness.
- Emergency Financial Assistance for HousingProvides emergency financial assistance for past-due rent, security deposits, mortgage payments, and other housing-related costs to prevent homelessness. Funds are disbursed directly to landlords or third parties, not to applicants, and the program operates as part of the Santa Clara County Homelessness Prevention System.
- Employment Assistance and Financial Coaching Job Readiness Training and Placement SupportRuns the Joblink Employment Assistance Program, providing support with resumes, interview preparation, job searching, and one-on-one computer training to job seekers. Offers financial coaching, workshops, and eligibility screening to help individuals increase income, reduce debt, build credit, and develop assets, including public charge information.
- Employment Assistance and Job Support Job Readiness Training and Placement SupportRuns the Joblink Employment Assistance Program, providing job seekers with support in resume writing, interview preparation, and finding employment opportunities. Offers one-on-one computer training to job seekers, with six individuals served monthly.
- Employment and Financial Coaching Services Job Readiness Training and Placement SupportProvides job seekers with employment assistance including resume support, interview preparation, and job placement through the Joblink Employment Assistance Program. Offers one-on-one financial coaching, workshops, and eligibility screening to help individuals increase income, reduce debt, build credit, and develop assets.
- Financial Coaching and Asset Building Financial Literacy Education & CoachingProvides one-on-one financial coaching, workshops, and eligibility screening to help individuals increase income, reduce debt, build credit, and develop assets. Also offers public charge information and financial coaching integrated with employment services.
- Food and Clothing Assistance Hygiene and Essential Care Kits DistributionProvides a three-day supplemental supply of groceries, ready-to-eat food items, and hygiene kits to individuals experiencing homelessness, along with a monthly distribution of fresh produce to families in need. Operates a Clothes Closet allowing families to receive up to 5 free clothing items per person twice per month.
- Food and Clothing AssistanceProvides a three-day supplemental supply of groceries and ready-to-eat food items for homeless individuals, including fresh fruits and vegetables for 10 families each month. Operates a Clothes Closet allowing families to receive up to 5 free clothing items per person twice per month.
- Food and Hygiene Assistance Distribution Hygiene and Essential Care Kits DistributionProvides a three-day supplemental supply of groceries, ready-to-eat food items, and hygiene kits to individuals experiencing homelessness and low-income families. Distributes food including fresh produce to 10 families monthly and hygiene kits to 40 people monthly through volunteer-staffed programs.
- Homelessness Prevention and Housing AssistanceOffers emergency financial assistance for past-due rent, security deposits, mortgage, and other housing-related costs through the Santa Clara County Homelessness Prevention System (HPS) program, disbursing funds directly to landlords or third parties.
- Housing and Utility Financial AssistanceOffers emergency financial assistance for past-due rent, security deposits, mortgage, water, and utility bills to low-income individuals and families at risk of homelessness. Funds are disbursed directly to landlords or service providers through the Santa Clara County Homelessness Prevention System and the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP).
- Hygiene Kit Distribution Hygiene and Essential Care Kits DistributionProvides hygiene kits to 40 people experiencing homelessness each month.
- La Mesa Verde Urban Gardening Program Community Garden Programming with EducationImplements the La Mesa Verde program to increase access to healthy food by installing organic backyard gardens for 50 new families annually in San Jose, promoting food security and sustainable urban agriculture.
- Urban Gardening Program Community Garden Programming with EducationImplements the La Mesa Verde urban gardening program to increase access to healthy food in San Jose by installing organic backyard gardens for 50 new families annually.
- Urban Gardening Program (La Mesa Verde) Community Garden Programming with EducationImplements the La Mesa Verde program, which installs organic backyard gardens for 50 new families annually in San Jose to increase access to healthy food.
- Utility Bill Assistance Utility Bill Payment AssistanceProvides financial assistance for utility bills, including a one-time annual credit through the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) and up to $1,000 per year for water bills, with funds paid directly to utility providers for income-eligible Santa Clara County residents.
- Utility Bill Assistance Utility Bill Payment AssistanceProvides assistance with utility bills, including a one-time annual credit for income-eligible residents of Santa Clara County through the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) and up to $1,000 in direct financial assistance for water bills, paid directly to the water provider.
capacity building · 3
- Community Leadership and Advocacy Training Advocacy & Civic Leadership TrainingTrains community leaders in advocacy and organizing through the Organize for Justice program, building capacity for civic engagement and social justice initiatives.
- Community Leadership and Advocacy Training Advocacy & Civic Leadership TrainingTrains community leaders in advocacy and organizing through the Organize for Justice program, building capacity for civic engagement and systemic change.
- Community Organizing and Advocacy Training Advocacy & Civic Leadership TrainingTrains community leaders in advocacy and organizing through the Organize for Justice program to build a community free from poverty.
strategies · 22
how they think
Theories of action extracted from this org's own source material. Click any to see the full field of orgs running the same approach.
- Community-Based Food Sovereignty community-led food sovereigntyBuilds community power and access to healthy food through urban gardening and collective organizing, addressing systemic inequities in the food system by centering community-led solutions.
- Community-Based Food Sovereignty community_organizingBuilds equitable access to healthy food through urban gardening and collective organizing, using community-led food production to challenge systemic inequities in the food system.
- Community-Led Advocacy and Leadership Development community-led advocacyEmpowers individuals experiencing poverty as leaders and change agents through civic engagement, leadership training, and peer-led initiatives, fostering community ownership of justice efforts.
- Community-Led Food Sovereignty through Urban Gardening community_led_food_sovereigntyThe organization uses urban gardening and collective organizing to build community-based access to healthy food and address systemic inequities in the food system, providing open access to food distribution for all residents.
- Digital and Civic Inclusion digital_inclusionExpands access to public benefits, employment, and civic participation through free digital resources and technology access, reducing barriers for low-income and marginalized individuals.
- Digital and Educational Equity Support digital_inclusionExpands access to economic and educational opportunities through digital inclusion services and individualized academic planning, bridging gaps for underserved families and students.
- Emergency and Preventive Housing Assistance coordinated-entry-systemProvides emergency financial assistance and operates a coordinated-entry system to prevent homelessness, using inclusive eligibility criteria and multi-organizational partnerships to serve vulnerable residents.
- Energy Assistance with Education financial assistance plus educationCombines federally funded energy cost assistance with education on conservation and cost-saving strategies to promote long-term utility bill management and household stability.
- Financial Assistance with Education for Long-Term Stability financial_assistance_plus_educationThe organization combines federally-funded financial assistance with education on conservation and cost-saving strategies to support low-income households with home energy costs and promote long-term utility bill management.
- Holistic Economic Stability Support holistic employment supportProvides integrated financial and employment support—including financial coaching, emergency assistance, and energy cost education—combined with skill-building and long-term planning to promote sustainable economic well-being.
- Holistic Employment Support holistic_employment_supportThe organization uses a holistic model that integrates employment assistance, financial coaching, and mutual support networks to help job seekers achieve and maintain long-term employment and financial stability.
- Holistic Employment and Financial Empowerment holistic employment supportSupports long-term employment and financial stability through integrated services including job assistance, financial coaching, and mutual support networks, addressing both immediate and structural barriers to economic security.
- Inclusive and Coordinated Homelessness Prevention coordinated_entry_systemThe organization provides emergency housing financial assistance to low-income residents, utilizing a coordinated, multi-organizational system approach through public and nonprofit partnerships, and ensures inclusive eligibility by not requiring immigration status disclosure.
- Inclusive and Equitable Access Model inclusive eligibilityEnsures access to critical services without barriers such as immigration status or zip code, using coordinated systems and open eligibility to serve the most vulnerable populations equitably.
- Individualized Family and Student Support individualized_education_planningSupports student achievement through personalized academic planning in collaboration with families and schools, addressing educational disparities with targeted engagement.
- Integrated Service and Advocacy Model integrated service and advocacyCombines direct service delivery with community organizing and mutual action to address the root causes of poverty and advance systemic justice, recognizing that service alone is insufficient without policy and structural change.
- Integrated Service and Advocacy for Systemic Change integrated_service_and_advocacyThe organization combines direct services with community organizing and mutual action to address the root causes of poverty and advance justice, viewing individuals experiencing poverty as agents of change who can lead advocacy and policy efforts.
- Mutual Support and Peer-Led Education mutual_support_modelUses mutual support groups and peer-led models—such as Promotoras and parent collectives—to deliver education and build resilience in culturally responsive, trauma-informed ways.
- Mutual Support and Peer-Led Education mutual_support_modelUses mutual support networks and peer-led models—such as Promotoras and parent groups—to deliver trauma-informed education and build resilience through shared experience and community trust.
- Open-Access and Inclusive Service Delivery open-access food distributionEnsures broad access to essential services by removing geographic and status-based barriers, such as zip-code restrictions or immigration status requirements, to promote equity and inclusion.
- Promotora Model for Parental Support and Education promotora_modelThe organization employs a community-led, trauma-informed Promotora model, utilizing trained former program participants to deliver parenting education and foster mutual support among parents of young children, combining skill-building with peer support.
- Sustainable Funding through Recurring Donations monthly donor programRelies on a monthly donor program to ensure stable, long-term funding for poverty alleviation services, reducing dependency on volatile funding sources.
named programs · 22
what they call their work
After School Academy
After-school program for K-8 students focusing on academic success through individualized work plans.
Clothes Closet
Allows families to browse and shop twice per month for high-quality clothing, shoes, accessories, and linens, with each family member able to take up to 5 articles for free.
Deposit Assistance
Offers emergency security deposit assistance to prevent housing instability for low-income Santa Clara County residents.
Digital Inclusion (DI)
Provides free access to technology and resources in a computer lab for research, job applications, public benefits sign-ups (CalFresh, Medi-Cal), and printing documents.
Digital Inclusion Computer Lab
Free access to computers and technology for community members to apply for jobs, government benefits, and other essential services.
Early Childhood Education
9-month program for parents with children aged 1-3 focusing on English skills, parenting skills, and kindergarten preparation for children.
Financial Coaching
Provides financial coaching and information on public benefits and public charge rules.
Food Programs
Offers a three-day supplemental supply of groceries and an assortment of food for members experiencing homelessness, available weekly to Santa Clara County residents.
Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)
Federally-funded program assisting low-income households in Santa Clara County with paying home energy bills once a year, including energy conservation information.
Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
Federally funded program providing annual utility bill credits to income-eligible households in Santa Clara County for energy bills.
JobLink Employment Assistance Program
Program to help individuals find employment through job readiness support and training.
Joblink Employment Assistance Program
Provides assistance for individuals seeking employment.
La Mesa Verde
Urban gardening program that builds organic backyard gardens for 50 new families annually and supports a network of over 600 gardeners in San José.
Mortgage Assistance
Provides financial assistance for mortgage payments to low-income Santa Clara County residents.
Organize for Justice
Trains community leaders to channel their influence and organize for justice.
Parenting Support
Mindfulness-based, trauma-informed support program for mothers of infants 0-3, led by trained Promotoras in Spanish.
Preschoolers & Early Childhood Education
A nine-month program for parents with young children (1-3 years old) focusing on English skills, parenting skills, and pre-kinder classes for children to prepare them for school.
Rental Assistance
Provides emergency financial assistance for past-due rent to low-income Santa Clara County residents at risk of homelessness. Funds are paid directly to landlords.
Santa Clara County Homelessness Prevention System (HPS)
County-wide system providing temporary financial assistance, legal support, and case management to prevent homelessness.
Summer Academy
Full-day summer camp for grades 3-6 focusing on academic, social, and emotional development.
Urban Gardening with La Mesa Verde
A network of over 600 urban gardeners that provides organic backyard gardens to 50 new families annually, promoting food access and community organizing in San José.
Water Rate Assistance Program (WRAP)
Provides up to $1,000 in direct financial assistance to income-eligible households to pay water bills, in partnership with Santa Clara Valley Water District.
relationships · 11
who they work with
- City of San José Partner — Partner in delivering homelessness prevention assistance through the Homelessness Prevention System (HPS) program.
- Destination: Home Partner — Partner in delivering homelessness prevention assistance through the Homelessness Prevention System (HPS) program.
- La Mesa Verde Partner — Collaborative urban gardening program providing backyard gardens to low-income families in San Jose.
- LifeMoves Partner — Coordinates housing assistance services with LifeMoves, which operates Georgia Villa in San Jose.
- Promotoras Partner — Trained mothers who have completed the parenting program and serve as peer educators in the Safe, Secure, Loved curriculum
- Salvation Army Partner — Refers applicants in zip codes 95050, 95051, and 95054 to Salvation Army for housing assistance.
- Santa Clara County Government — Administers the HPS program in partnership with Santa Clara County, which has no zip code restrictions.
- Santa Clara County Office of Supportive Housing Partner — Partner in delivering homelessness prevention assistance through the Homelessness Prevention System (HPS) program.
- Santa Clara Valley Water District Partner — Partnership to administer the Water Rate Assistance Program (WRAP), providing direct financial assistance to income-eligible households for water bills.
- Sunnyvale Community Services Partner — Refers applicants to Sunnyvale Community Services for housing assistance based on zip code.
- United States Department of Agriculture Government — Federal funder supporting the La Mesa Verde urban gardening project.