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Neighbors for Neighbors

Belonging Builds Community

Join us for Neighbors for Neighbors: Belonging Builds Community, presented by Housing Matters in partnership with Santa Cruz Public Libraries.

Neighbors for Neighbors is a welcoming space where community members, both housed and unhoused, can connect, share experiences, and learn from one another.

The format for our meetings focuses on building community. The discussion is an active participatory experience. 

In 2026, we will examine what it means to belong and how belonging cultivates a stronger community. During the discussion, we will reflect on our own experiences of belonging and the impact of not having that experience. You will meet other people in our community who share your passion for the equitable and just treatment of all people. You will be joined in a circle with fellow community members, experts on the topic, and people with lived experience of homelessness.

Neighbors for Neighbors is hosted at two local library branches: Capitola and  Branciforte public library. We are thrilled to offer this program in YOUR neighborhood. Join us at your local library.

Register for the Branciforte Event

Register for the Capitola event

The schedule for 2026 Events at SCPL: August 25: Branciforte
October 27: Branciforte
November 17: Capitola

This special community event will feature two published authors and members of Housing Matters' Lived Experience Advisory Group (LEAG), Curtis Reliford, author of Madness to Surrender, and Tony del Zompo, author of 5150: A Manic Depressive Adventure. Through readings and conversation, the LEAG authors will share excerpts from their books, discuss the experiences that inspired their writing, and explore how storytelling can foster understanding, connection, and belonging. Following the readings, attendees will have the opportunity to connect, share their own reflections, ask questions, and learn from one another through an engaging community conversation.