During the COVID-19 pandemic, there are different pathways into emergency shelter in our community. One pathway is through the COVID-19 Shelter Referral system, described below.
Another pathway is by contacting shelters that do not participate in the COVID-19 shelter referral system. Click here for information about these shelters.
Following is the referral process for filling both congregate and non-congregate shelter beds established for COVID-19 isolation and quarantine.
Information in Spanish: Proceso de Referencia de Refugios del Condado de Santa Cruz
Complete the appropriate referral form and send it to COVID-19homelessresponse@santacruzcounty.us. A separate email should be sent for each referral.
You can also call 831-291-5098 to complete a referral over the phone.
Please note: persons who provide referrals for other persons may be asked to assist with locating persons being referred to a shelter.
The following congregate shelters fill vacancies through the Shelter Referral Process:
A number of hotel/motel and non-congregate shelters also exist to provide isolation for people with COVID-19 or at high risk of infection. The shelter referral process also fills vacancies in the motels opened as part of the COVID-19 homeless response for persons considered to be vulnerable for COVID-19 and persons who have tested or a presumed positive for COVID-19 who are unable to safely quarantine on their own.
Persons experiencing homelessness who are age 65 years or older or have medical conditions that make them medically vulnerable to COVID-19 are eligible for the non-congregate shelter beds (e.g., in motels). When they become available, persons are prioritized for non-congregate shelter beds based on their medical vulnerability to COVID.
Persons who are considered Priority 1-3 below, are eligible for temporary motel assistance for the duration of their COVID-19 quarantine period.
Questions about the Shelter Referral Process may be sent to COVID-19homelessresponse@santacruzcounty.us.